TRENTON, N.J. — A new bill aims to strengthen New Jersey’s age restrictions on electronic smoking devices and tobacco products by prohibiting delivery of these items to individuals under the age of 21. The bill, introduced in the State Legislature, would require that any tobacco or vaping product delivered to a residence be signed for by a resident who is at least 21 years old.
The legislation outlines several defenses available to those accused of selling or delivering these products to minors. Sellers may avoid prosecution if the buyer falsely presented valid identification, such as a driver’s license, that reasonably indicated they were of legal age, and if the transaction was conducted in good faith.
Violations of the bill will result in civil and criminal penalties, in line with existing laws that govern the sale of tobacco and electronic smoking devices to minors. The bill does not apply to employees of the U.S. Postal Service who are performing their assigned duties.
The Department of Health will have the authority to adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the bill. It will take effect 180 days after its enactment.
