Teaneck Police Charge Three Store Owners After Undercover Vape Sales Investigation
Three business owners in Teaneck, New Jersey, are facing criminal charges after a police investigation found that nicotine vape products were sold to individuals under the legal age, according to local authorities.The investigation began after the Teaneck Police Department received complaints from residents who raised concerns that some local businesses were selling vape products to underage customers. In response, detectives launched an undercover compliance operation to determine whether the reported violations were taking place.
During the operation, an underage individual attempted to purchase nicotine vape products from stores across Teaneck. Police said the investigation resulted in charges against the owners of three businesses: Best Stop on the 500 block of Cedar Lane, Cedar Liquors on the 700 block of Cedar Lane, and Happy Fruit Market on the 1400 block of Teaneck Road.
Under New Jersey law, retailers are prohibited from selling tobacco and nicotine products, including electronic smoking devices and vape products, to anyone younger than 21 years old. State law also bans the sale of flavored vape products, regardless of the buyer’s age.
Authorities said each of the three business owners has been charged with maintaining a nuisance and selling flavored vape products. They also face charges for violating a Teaneck township ordinance related to public nuisances.
Following the investigation, each owner received a summons requiring them to appear before the Teaneck Municipal Court. The charges will be addressed through the court process.
One man who identified himself as the owner of Best Stop said he was not present at the business when the sale took place. According to his statement, an employee mistakenly sold a vape product to the underage customer during his absence.
The owners of Cedar Liquors and Happy Fruit Market had not publicly responded to requests for comment at the time authorities released information about the investigation.
Teaneck Police Chief Andrew R. McGurr said the department launched the enforcement action after receiving community complaints and remains committed to ensuring businesses follow state laws designed to protect young people.
The police department emphasized that selling nicotine products to individuals under the age of 21 is illegal in New Jersey and warned that such violations can pose serious health risks to minors. Officials also stated that they will continue investigating complaints and conducting compliance checks to help ensure retailers follow state and local regulations.
The case highlights ongoing enforcement efforts aimed at preventing illegal sales of nicotine products and encouraging businesses to comply with New Jersey’s tobacco and vaping laws.
Sources
- Teaneck Police Department
- New Jersey Department of Health
- New Jersey Legislature
- Teaneck Municipal Court
