Washington, D.C. — A settlement has been reached between retail chain 7-Eleven and the District of Columbia following allegations that several of its locations violated regulations aimed at shielding children from electronic smoking products. The company has agreed to pay $1.2 million to resolve the claims, which surfaced after investigations revealed that 16 stores were selling vaping devices within a quarter-mile of schools.
The District of Columbia’s Attorney General, Brian L. Schwalb, announced the resolution after his office conducted a thorough inquiry into these practices. The regulation prohibiting the sale of vapes, e-cigarettes, and other aerosol devices went into effect in October 2022. Prior to its implementation, store owners were informed of the impending ban.
Schwalb emphasized the importance of this enforcement, stating that the sale of nicotine products near educational institutions is illegal due to the addictive nature of these substances, particularly for the youth. He expressed concern that 7-Eleven’s actions could undermine efforts made to reduce tobacco use among younger populations.
The Attorney General reaffirmed that the safety and well-being of the community are primary concerns. In his statement, he highlighted the role local laws play in protecting children’s health, underscoring the need for vigilance against illegal sales practices.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that vaping is more prevalent among American youth than other tobacco products. While traditional cigarettes pose serious health risks owing to their mixture of over 7,000 harmful chemicals, e-cigarettes are not without dangers. The CDC has noted that nicotine can disrupt neurodevelopment in young users, while vaping can expose individuals to substances linked to cancer, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds.
In a related context, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group recently reported that nearly 500,000 vapes were discarded each day in 2023, equating to approximately six devices per second. This notable increase from the previous year’s rate of 4.5 vapes per second raises concerns about the health and environmental ramifications if current trends persist. Classified as hazardous waste due to potential nicotine contamination and dangers posed by lithium batteries, disposable vapes contribute to long-term plastic pollution.
The terms of the settlement require 7-Eleven to permanently cease the sale and marketing of vapor products near schools in the District. Additionally, the company must implement annual training for employees on local vaping regulations and establish a monitoring system to detect and report violations to the Attorney General’s office.
This enforcement action reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding youth and ensuring compliance with health protections in the community.
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