MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Senate passed legislation on Tuesday to increase the age at which customers in Alabama could purchase vaping products from 19 to 21 years old.
House Bill 8 by State Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) would require a one-time application fee and an annual permit fee for the distribution of vape products. The bill would increase the penalties on stores for violations. The bill would also change state law to restrict sales to customers over 21 years of age.
An amendment by Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) passed on Tuesday that allowed grocery stores and gas stations to continue selling the products under the new rules. It narrowly passed by an 18-16 margin. The amended bill passed the Senate on Tuesday by a 28-5 margin. On Tuesday, the House concurred with the Senate’s amended version by a 52-43 margin. The bill now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey for her consideration.
“I’m a shade disappointed because I really wanted all of it out of (convenience) stores. That’s unfortunate that we have to punish good actors along with bad actors, but we’re having too many children having accidental overdoses, and we know most of it is coming from (convenience) stores. Listen, it was a win. Legislation is always a give and take. The main thing is to try and get this stuff under control. Take care of our children. We’ve got to be their first line of defense. Let’s try and get it under control and know that we’re going to be watching. These c stores aren’t going to get a free pass now. These licenses are not just going to be handed out. They’re going to have to be approved by the local governing bodies,” State Sen. David Sessions (R-Grand Bay) told reporters on Tuesday.
“Anyone that was already selling was probably allowed under that amendment but they are still going to have to do the verification. They’re still going to be under those penalties. We put some stiff penalties in this legislation. We actually upped the penalties in the substitute. First offense was $2,500, second $5,000, third one, they’re losing their license. They’re not just losing their license for vapes. They’re losing their license for alcohol, everything they sell, they’re going to lose their business totally. We’re going to promote good actors. Bad actors, we want them out of business. They’re destroying our youth in this state.”
Bart Fletcher, president of the Petroleum and Convenience Marketers of Alabama, told 1819 News on Tuesday, “We very much appreciate the members of the House and Senate giving us the opportunity to continue to be involved in the sale of vape products to legal adult consumers.”
“We think that we’ve proven that we can sell those products responsibly and will continue to do so. I would especially like to thank Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton for having the faith in us and being willing to offer the amendment that brought convenience stores back into that arena,” Fletcher said.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
