Alabama’s New Vape Law Drives Customers Across State Line to Tennessee Shops

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Alabama Vape Law

A strict new Alabama law regulating vape products, which took effect June 1st, is reportedly pushing consumers across the state line to Tennessee to purchase items no longer available locally. The Alabama legislation (HB8) significantly limits the types of vape products that can be sold, primarily allowing only FDA-approved tobacco and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes in general retail and restricting other flavored items to age-restricted specialty vape shops.

Carry Petersen, manager at Smoke Spot, a vape shop just on the Tennessee side of the border in Ardmore, noted an increase in Alabama customers, some driving from as far as Birmingham. Customer Tyler Tarver mentioned he makes the half-hour drive from Huntsville, Alabama, multiple times a week, now for vape pens in addition to Kratom, anticipating a similar cross-border rush as seen with other restricted products.

While Alabama lawmakers state the new law aims to protect children’s health by reducing the availability of nicotine vapes, particularly flavored ones, Tennessee store owners are seeing a direct business impact. Petersen acknowledged the intent to prevent underage sales but suggested parental guidance as a solution. The Alabama law also includes harsher penalties for selling to under-21s and requires vapes sold in Alabama to be U.S.-manufactured.

Matthew Ma
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