FDA fines retailers for selling Elf Bar vape products

Several c-store operators have each been issued a civil money penalty of over $19,000 for offering the unauthorized e-cigarette items in stores.

By Brett Dworski • Sept. 29, 2023

Vaping won’t save c-stores from falling tobacco sales

The e-cigarette industry is seeing sales drop as retailers work to comply with regulations. But there are still ways to boost the category, experts say.

By Amanda Baltazar • Aug. 9, 2023

FDA targets retailers as disposable vaping crackdown continues

The agency warned 30 retailers and a distributor for selling unapproved Puff Bar and Hyde items — the first and third most popular brands for underage smokers, its survey said.

By Jessica Loder • June 1, 2023

2 disposable vape companies cited for illegal U.S. sales

Warning letters sent to the makers of Esco Bar and Breeze vaping products underscore the FDA's focus on companies that use synthetic nicotine.

By Jessica Loder • May 26, 2023

Gopuff fined $6.2 million for labor violations

The quick delivery company allegedly misclassified some employees, provided inadequate pay stubs and didn’t have an adequate sick leave policy, according to the Massachusetts AG.

By Jessica Loder • Updated April 10, 2023

Maine is the latest state considering flavored tobacco legislation

State Senator Jill Duson has submitted a bill proposing a ban on such products as legislators around the country take up measures in the absence of a ruling from the FDA.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 4, 2023

What to do before applying for NEVI funding

As states prepare to open up applications for more than $5 billion in collective funding, interested retailers should check the federal requirements and lay the EV installation groundwork ahead of time.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 15, 2022

Circle K to pay $8M as part of agreement to resolve discrimination charges

In addition to the payout, the chain also needs to update relevant policies and hire someone to oversee requests for accommodations and record keeping.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 30, 2022

Colorado becomes 40th state to offer wine sales across c-stores

The proposition — which earned 50.58% of the vote — will go into effect on March 1, 2023 and will also allow for wine tasting events.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 28, 2022

FDA issues more warnings over CBD. Should c-stores be concerned?

The warnings target five companies selling CBD-infused products that the agency said may be mistaken for traditional food and beverage items and that, in some cases, are appealing to children.

By Brett Dworski • Nov. 22, 2022

California votes to ban most flavored tobacco products

Voters approved Proposition 31 this week, upholding a law that was signed in 2020 and making California the second state with such a ban.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 11, 2022

Juul planning another major layoff as it struggles to stay afloat

This will be the e-cigarette maker’s fourth companywide layoff since 2019.

By Brett Dworski • Nov. 11, 2022

FDA’s denial of menthol e-cigarette products highlights increasing pressure

The agency last week issued a marketing denial order against several menthol e-cigarette capsules made by Logic Technology Development — the first time it has issued such an order.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 2, 2022

EV charging station rollout hampered by outdated regulations, report says

Better coordination among governments and with the private sector are needed to speed the EV transition, says a new Fuels Institute report.

By Dan Zukowski • Oct. 26, 2022

DOJ files lawsuits against 6 vaping companies

This marks the first time the department has filed injunctions against suppliers for failing to heed warning letters by the FDA.

By Jessica Loder • Oct. 20, 2022

California flavored tobacco sales hinge on November vote

Prop 31 could cut revenue for convenience stores in the Golden State in cities where there is not currently a ban on the products.

By Jessica Loder • Oct. 19, 2022

Two Colorado proposals look to expand alcohol sales at c-stores

Proposition 125 would allow wine sales at convenience retailers that already sell beer, while Proposition 126 would let them use third-party delivery apps to sell alcohol.

By Jessica Loder • Oct. 17, 2022

Fed majority votes to finalize debit rule

In a 6-1 vote, the Federal Reserve finalized a debit card processing rule that underscores a requirement that multiple card networks be available for routing transactions, including online.

By Lynne Marek • Oct. 5, 2022

New York begins implementation of 2035 ban on new gas-powered cars and trucks, following California lead

Boosting sales of EVs in New York may require changing the law around how vehicles are sold, according to the Alliance for Clean Energy New York.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 5, 2022

Durbin maps path for credit card bill

Sen. Dick Durbin and his Republican ally, Sen. Roger Marshall, seek to attach their credit card competition legislation to a defense spending bill.

By Lynne Marek • Oct. 4, 2022

EV charging network plans approved for all 50 states

The Federal Highway Administration’s approval will allow the build-out of chargers covering about 75,000 miles of highway.

By Danielle McLean • Updated Sept. 29, 2022

Sales of spirits-based RTD drinks top $1.6B in 2021, study finds

The category’s popularity is eclipsing that of hard seltzers, and states are pushing to change retail laws to capitalize on the opportunity.

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 23, 2022

House bill aims to mitigate credit card swipe fees

If approved, the Credit Card Competition Act could be a relief for c-store retailers, who report swipe fees can exceed their pre-tax profits and be their second-highest operating costs after labor.

By Brett Dworski • Sept. 20, 2022

Juul will pay $438M to settle multistate investigation

The agreement outlines marketing restrictions for the embattled e-cigarette maker, and follows other settlements centered on how it has allegedly advertised to underage users.

By Jeff Wells • Sept. 8, 2022