12 Loudoun Vape Shops Cited In Underage Vape Shop Compliance Checks

ASHBURN, VA — Compliance checks on sales of age-restricted products led to citations for 12 vape shops, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office visited 31 vape shops in the county, and 12 were caught selling age restricted products to people posing as underage. Under Virginia law, the sales of tobacco and hemp products is not allowed to people under age 21. A first violation comes with a civil penalty of $500 for the business and $100 for the employee making the sale. Repeat violations within 36 months can result in a $2,500 penalty and could result in the business’s license being suspended or revoked by the Virginia Department of Taxation.

Five of the 12 stores caught in the latest operation had also been cited during a similar operation last year.

"It is deeply concerning that some businesses continue to disregard the law and the health of our young people," said Sheriff Mike Chapman in a statement. "We will continue to hold violators accountable, including the loss of their license to do business in Loudoun County."

Businesses cited included:

• AIO Smoke & Vape, Pigeon Hill Dr., Sterling
• Ashburn Cigar & Vapes (2nd offense), Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Ashburn
• Diamond Tobacco & Vapes, Diamond Lake Dr.), Lansdowne
• HUB, Pigeon Hill Dr., Sterling
• Sterling Smoke & Vape (2nd offense), Enterprise St., Sterling
• Tobacco Flex, Main St., Purcellville
• Tobacco Hut (2nd offense), Ashbrook Commons Plz., Ashburn
• Tobacco Hut, Church Rd., Sterling
• Tobacco King (2nd offense), Leesburg Pike, Sterling
• Tobacco King & Vape, Leesburg Pike, Sterling
• Tobacco King & Vape (2nd offense), Fieldstone Dr., Leesburg
• Tobacco King & Vape, Market St., Leesburg