7-Eleven to Pay $1.2 Million for Illegal Vape Sales Near D.C. Schools

September 10, 2025

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb has announced that 7-Eleven will pay $1. 2 million to settle allegations of violating Washington D.C.'s ban on selling electronic smoking devices near schools.

Who is affected

Middle and high school students in Washington, D.C.
16 7-Eleven locations (10 corporate-owned and 6 franchised stores)
Youth vulnerable to nicotine addiction
7-Eleven corporate and franchise owners

What action is being taken

7-Eleven is paying $1.2 million to resolve the allegations
The company is permanently ending sales and marketing of e-cigarettes and vapes at stores in restricted school zones
7-Eleven is providing annual training at corporate-owned stores and requesting franchisee participation
The company is monitoring franchise stores quarterly and reporting violations to the Office of the Attorney General
7-Eleven is removing electronic smoking devices from shelves and inventory systems at affected stores

Why it matters

The illegal sales threaten to reverse progress in reducing youth tobacco use
Electronic smoking devices are addictive and unhealthy, particularly for young people
The law specifically aims to protect children's health near schools
Violations carry significant penalties, including fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000
The settlement establishes accountability for both corporate-owned and franchised stores

What's next

7-Eleven will send yearly reminders to stores in school zones about the ban
The company will terminate franchise agreements after four violations within two years
7-Eleven will report any franchise terminations to the District
No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the implementation of the settlement terms

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer