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Panel approves substitute to strengthen vape and liquid-nicotine retail licensing and enforcement
Summary
The committee adopted a substitute to House Bill 308 establishing mandatory retail licensing for tobacco and liquid nicotine stores, a manufacturers' product directory enforced by the Attorney General, age-verification requirements and escalating penalties for violations; the substitute was reported and referred to Senate Finance.
The subcommittee approved a comprehensive substitute to House Bill 308 to tighten regulation of liquid-nicotine and vapor products and strengthen enforcement against underage sales.
Sponsor Delegate Hope framed the substitute as the result of years of work with the Attorney General’s office and other stakeholders to close retail licensure loopholes and beef up enforcement. Key provisions include mandatory licensing of each retail location (a $750 fee over three years for retail tobacco licenses, two-year licenses for liquid nicotine retailers), background checks for licensees, and a centralized product directory maintained with the Attorney General. Products not listed on the directory cannot be lawfully sold. Retailers must verify the age of any customer who appears under 30, and ABC will conduct unannounced visits; penalties escalate from $1,000 for a first violation to $10,000 and license revocation for a third violation.
The Attorney General’s office testified in support, describing the substitute as necessary to produce an enforceable registry of lawful products. Public-health groups such as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network expressed support or technical neutrality pending review. Virginia ABC officials said implementation will require resources and education; they have provided a fiscal plan. The committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 308 as substituted and referred it to Senate Finance (roll recorded Ayes 15, Nays 0). The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce youth access to engineered products that appeal to children.
