7-Eleven has agreed to pay a $1.2 million penalty to Washington, D.C., in the US, after 16 of its stores were found to have illegally sold Vapes near schools, violating a local 2022 ban. The stores continued sales even after being notified, resulting in thousands of post-ban transactions.
Key Points:
- Violation: Sold vapes within a quarter-mile of schools, despite prior notice of the prohibition.
- Penalty & Actions: $1.2 million settlement; must stop all vape sales and marketing near schools, train staff, and ensure franchise compliance.
- Context: The Attorney General emphasized that such sales endanger youth and undermine public health efforts to reduce nicotine addiction.
According to a report by WUSA9 on September 9th, 7-Eleven will pay $1.2 million to Washington, D.C., in the US to settle allegations that 16 of its stores illegally sold vapes near middle and high schools, violating a 2022 local ban.
Despite being notified of the prohibition, these locations continued to sell VPAEs, with over 7,500 sales occurring after the ban took effect.
As part of the settlement, the company will permanently cease vape sales and marketing at these stores, pay the penalty, implement staff training, and enforce compliance among franchisees. Non-compliant stores may have their franchise licenses revoked.
Attorney General Brian Schwalb stated that such sales undermine efforts to reduce youth nicotine addiction and violate laws designed to protect minors’ health.
