The FDA has charged 21 convenience stores and gas stations with illegally selling the popular Esco Bar disposable vape. Each store faces the maximum allowable fine of $20,000. This crackdown comes despite massive consumer demand for accessible, flavored vaping products not currently authorized by the agency.
The retailers were previously warned, but continued offering customers sought-after vapes like Esco Bar. With only a few low-power, tobacco-flavored products approved for sale, stores cater to consumer preferences at the risk of facing repeated FDA punishment.
Rather than purely punitive measures, compromise is needed between regulations and small businesses trying to survive market disruption. Outright bans catalyze dangerous black markets, while accommodating adult access supports harm reduction. A heavy-handed approach risks public health aims by pushing vapers toward cigarettes.
