Joliet cracking down on underage vaping, local leaders call out manufacturers

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The city of Joliet is engaged in a beefed-up campaign to crack down on the use of electronic cigarettes by young people.

Local school officials had complained that, even though it's illegal to sell vaping products to underage youth, school children were using them. Joliet State Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel suggested that students and the manufacturers were being sneaky about it.

“We were finding that high schoolers were accessing these vapes that are supposed to look like regular objects, like highlighters, erasers and pencil sharpeners,” Cappel said.

Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said citywide checks found 47 violations at 37 businesses — and one three-time violator was shut down.

“We will not tolerate any business that disregards these laws,” he said. “Our message to those that sell tobacco products is very simple: If you sell to minors, we will catch you, and you will face the consequences.”

Mayor Terry D' Arcy said they will also be educating parents and students about the dangers. The mayor said he hopes the county and other municipalities will make similar efforts.

Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok