Underage Vaping Sting Leads To Charges For 2 Clerks In Leesburg

LEESBURG, VA — A sting by the Leesburg Police Department at four tobacco retailers to find sales of underage vaping products resulted in two clerks facing charges, authorities said.

The employees were both charged with selling tobacco vaping products to customers under the age of 21.

A police news release said clerks at these businesses sold vape materials to underage buyers:

• Tobacco Hut, 356 E. Market St.
• Leesburg Tobacco & Vape, 707 E. Market St., Suite G

The clerks — who were not identified by police — were each issued a summons charging them with violating Virginia Code Section 18.2-371.2, which prohibits the purchase, possession, and sale of tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, alternative nicotine products, and hemp products intended for smoking to persons under 21 years of age. A violation of this code section is punishable by a civil penalty.

“Operations like these send a clear message to retail establishments in town, that they are responsible for training their staff to properly follow the law to ensure that age restricted products are only sold to those of legal age,” said Leesburg Police Capt. David Smith in a statement. “For this reason, the Leesburg Police Department periodically conducts operations relating to the sale of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages to underage persons.”

The Leesburg Police Department School Resource Officer Unit, in partnership with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, provides education on the dangers of vaping through the D.A.R.E. program to students at the elementary and middle school level. Parents seeking additional information and resources should talk with their child’s school resource officer.

Parents can also visit https://www.cdc.gov/e-cigarettes.