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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
The newly introduced “Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act” has some consumers disconcerted, not just because it would prohibit the online or mail order sales of tobacco or vape products, but also because of added complications and fees for local retailers.
Sponsored by Sen. Shane Reeves (R-Bedford-District 14) and Rep. Charlie Baum (R-Murfreesboro-District 37), SB2086/HB2158 would make it illegal for retailers to ship cigars directly to consumers in the state, require age verification for buyers over 21, and would place tobacco products under the authority of the Tennessee Alcohol Commission.
The 15-page Act would mandate in-person sales only and require any retailer who wants to sell tobacco or vaping products to obtain a new “tobacco product retail license” which would include an initial $250 application fee and an annual $250 renewal fee.
It also outlines enforcement measures for those found in violation of the measures, including civil penalties of $2,500- $20,000, suspension of licenses for repeated violations, and the creation of a dedicated “tobacco product enforcement fund” where any collected fees and penalties would go to be used for further enforcement actions.
Additionally, the bill would empower the Tennessee Alcohol Commission to conduct underage compliance checks, seize contraband products, and keep its own database of license holders.
The legislation states it is necessary because “the regulation and control of such products in this state are in the interest of public health and safety.”
Some who enjoy cigars have expressed concerns that if the bill passes, their options as consumers would be severely restricted and the social enjoyment of cigar bars could also be affected or overly restricted with the implementation of the new licensing requirements.
Neither the Senate nor House versions of the bill have been assigned to a committee yet, but both iterations have picked up several Republican co-sponsors.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
3 Responses
What a waist of time…SERIOUSLY?!?
With everything else that needs attention…CLOSE GOP voting to non GOP’s.
Look into fraud!
Look at all the $$$$ being paid under the table to RINO’s INCLUDING big Billy Boy & Bill Lee 2.0 Marsha!
I agree Jenlrosenthal@icloud.com, well said. And, I will add this – I’ll bet some ‘vape’ or cigar business owner and ‘donor’ in Bedford or Rutherford County came up with an idea to “protect” the public AND his business from internet competition, LOL! And, while I understand this ‘protection’ from VAPING products for minors, minors are not generally the ones buying cigars – so – REALLY? I can even understand the argument that retailers pay local and state taxes, and internet may or may not – so big disadvantage. But more importantly, ANYTIME……ANYTIME a politician ‘grows’ the government bureaucracy and power, all for protecting ‘public health and safety’, I am reminded of the old saying, “Those that are willing to give up their God given LIBERTIES for the ‘promise’ of safety and security (even from an inept government), will lose BOTH (FREEDOM AND SECURITY) and deserve neither!” It is frustrating that we keep electing these politicians that promise LESS government, LESS Taxes and LESS Regulation on the campaign trail and then get elected only to BOW DOWN to the ‘needs’ of their political class donors, all of whom, I VERY SURE, just want to protect public “health and safety”! And what beats all, the proposed bill enacts MORE Government, MORE Taxes and MORE Regulation. It is one of those bills that breaks into pieces legislator’s campaign promises, and it is shameful! But, even more, belies their real colors, displaying their true RINO political leanings.
What a FARCE!!