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Call to hold stores accountable for illegal vape sales
['Staff Report']
Fingerlakes1.com
A University of Rochester student is calling for stricter enforcement on vape sales at convenience stores, saying too many retailers are letting underage customers slip through the cracks.
In a letter submitted by Bethsa Vernelus, a public health advocate with the Center for a Tobacco-Free Finger Lakes, the issue isn’t just about what’s in the vape — it’s about how easily teens can buy them.
“Too many convenience stores sell vapes without checking IDs,” Vernelus wrote, warning that these products are often packaged to appeal to minors with bright colors, fruity flavors, and designs that mimic tech gadgets.
Vernelus argues that holding stores accountable — starting with mandatory ID checks — could be a powerful step toward reversing the trend.
The letter also provides resources for those looking to quit, including the NYS Quitline at 1-866-697-8487, nysmokefree.com, and text-based support options for teens at dropthevape.com.