Call for revision of Pennsylvania's Act 57 on vaping

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The Issue

In Pennsylvania, vape shop owners and adult customers alike are raising their voices about the implications of Act 57. This legislation, although well-intentioned, places an excessive burden on responsible businesses and adults who make the choice to vape. While ensuring children do not have access to vaping products is a priority we all support, the current approach of Act 57 falls short of effectively addressing the issue in a balanced manner.

For vape shop owners, this act adds layers of regulatory challenges that could jeopardize their livelihoods. For adult consumers, it infringes upon their autonomy and choice. We propose that the focus should be redirected toward more effective age verification processes, not on blanket regulations that affect conscientious adults and business owners.

Let's draw parallels with the sale of alcoholic beverages, where rigorous age checks and strict compliance measures are implemented successfully. By incorporating similar strategies, we can both safeguard young people and uphold the rights of adults.

Here are some actionable recommendations:

1. **Strengthen Age Verification:** Implement advanced technology solutions like electronic ID scanning at point-of-sale, ensuring that minors are efficiently restricted from purchasing vapes.

2. **Accountability Measures for Sellers:** Develop a system where vendors are held accountable, such as periodic compliance checks and penalties for non-compliance.

3. **Education and Awareness Campaigns:** Launch initiatives targeting both youth and parents about the potential risks associated with vaping, thereby reducing demand among underage individuals.

The statistics show that most vape shop owners already comply with current laws. According to a 2022 survey by the American Vaping Association, over 90% of stores routinely check IDs. Enhancing enforcement rather than penalizing compliant businesses will better achieve the goal of protecting youth.

We urge the Pennsylvania Attorney General and state lawmakers to reconsider Act 57. Let's work together to create a balanced framework that respects adult rights while securing our community's future health. Please sign this petition to support a fair revision of Act 57, ensuring it serves its intended purpose without overburdening our vape shops and adult consumers.

avatar of the starter
Tobacco&vape CastlePetition StarterMy name is Elias, and I am a vape shop owner in Pennsylvania. Act 57’s vape restrictions are seriously hurting my business and threatening the livelihood I have worked hard to build.

The Decision Makers

Josh Shapiro
Pennsylvania Governor

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates