Bill proposed in the Vermont Senate would eliminate the penalty against minors who possess tobacco products

A bill proposed in the Vermont Senate would eliminate the penalty against minors who possess tobacco products. S. 19, which is up for consideration in the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs, “proposes to eliminate prohibitions on and penalties for the purchase, use, and possession of tobacco products in Vermont.” Vaping products would also be included. The prohibitions and penalties the bill proposes to eliminate refer to tobacco buyers and consumers who are under 21 years old. The law currently states that a person under 21 can’t possess, purchase or try to purchase tobacco products, tobacco substitutes (e-cigarettes) or tobacco paraphernalia. People who break this law are subject to a $25 fine. A person under 21 who uses a fake ID to purchase tobacco products is subject to a $50 fine and 10 days of community service. Prohibitions on tobacco sales to minors would remain unchanged if the bill becomes law. Retailers face a $100 fine for the first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.