Four Auburn smoke shops have been fined for illegally selling flavored vapes, with three also cited for selling to underage customers. The Cayuga County Board of Health approved penalties ranging from $500 to $2,000 against the businesses, according to The Citizen.
- Auburn Express Smoke Shop, located at 104 Grant Ave., received the highest fine of $2,000 plus a $250 surcharge for selling a flavored vape to an underage customer on February 20. Additionally, the shop cannot seek a local tobacco retail license for six months due to operating without proper licenses.
- Auburn Express Jr. Smoke Shop, at 33 Columbus St., another repeat offender, was fined $2,000 with a $250 surcharge for similar violations and must close for 24 hours on May 31. The shop has unpaid fines totaling $16,250 from 2023.
- Auburn Exotics Mini Mart, at 67 Franklin St., was fined $750 for selling to an underage customer and offering flavored vapes. The shop must close for 24 hours on June 14 unless proof of employee training is provided.
- O-Exotic Smoke Shop, at 62 Owasco St., was fined $500 with a $250 surcharge for having flavored vapes and not displaying required signage.
The fines from health officials in Cayuga County highlight the challenges state and county leaders have had with managing the regulation on these products.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].