18 Establishments out of Compliance After Countywide Checks of Underage Vape Sales

During the last several months, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Jacksonville-based Community Prevention Services, Inc., conducted a series of compliance checks aimed at preventing the illegal sale of vaping and tobacco products to minors.  

Throughout June and July, “Operation Vape Zero” was conducted under a state and federal compliance grant called the Substance Use Prevention Treatment Recovery Services Grant, which works to combat youth access to nicotine and vaping products.  

This program requires retailers to properly check identification before selling tobacco-related products, provide accountability, and offer retailers training resources when needed. 

Results of Operation Vape Zero 

• 101 compliance checks were conducted across Onslow County retail establishments.

• 82 establishments were found in compliance with North Carolina law.

• 18 establishments were found out of compliance, selling vaping/tobacco products to minors without verifying proper identification. 

Out of the 18 establishments, the Sheriff’s Office identified 17 clerks responsible for illegal sales and has issued criminal summonses and two juvenile petitions for violations. 

Retail Establishments & Clerks Found in Violation 

• Joker Smoker Tobacco & Smoke – Jacksonville  

• Reada Mini Mart – Midway Park  

• EZ Pass Smoke Shop – Jacksonville  

• 2 & 1 Vape and Cigar Shop – Jacksonville  

• Richlands Tobacco & Vape Shop – Richlands  

• Tobacco City & Gift – Jacksonville  

• B’s Tobacco Shop – Jacksonville  

• Western Mart – Jacksonville  

• Lucky 7’s Smoke Shop – Jacksonville  

• USA Vape & Tobacco Shop – Jacksonville 

• 1 of 1 Smoke Shop – Jacksonville  

• One Stop Shop – Jacksonville  

• House of Smoke – Holly Ridge  

• T’s Food Mart – Holly Ridge  

• C-Check Convenience Store – Sneads Ferry  

• Whizz Mart – Hubert  

• Hubert Tobacco & Vape – Hubert  

• Tobacco City & Gift – Jacksonville  

“We want to emphasize that we are not out to disrupt any business or tobacco retail sellers, as our goal is to reduce the accessibility of tobacco products to youth in our community. We are only asking that these businesses follow the law and make sure they see proper ID before selling tobacco and vape products,” said Maegan Glynn, Grant Coordinator. 

"Selling tobacco and vape products to anyone under 21 is against the law, and it’s something we take seriously. These products can do real harm to our young people, which is why it’s so important for retailers to check IDs before making a sale. I’m glad to see that the majority are doing the right thing — only 18 clerks out of 101 retailers failed to check a buyer’s age properly. I encourage everyone who sells these products to stay alert and keep helping us protect our youth,” Sheriff Chris Thomas.