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Virginia bill targets vape shops that sell to underage buyers – WTOP News

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Virginia bill targets vape shops that sell to underage buyers – WTOP News


Vape shops in Virginia that sell tobacco products to underage buyers could soon face real consequences after years in a legal gray area.

March 27, 2026 | Del. Patrick Hope speaks to WTOP’s Nick Ianelli on new legislation that would shut down vape shops that repeatedly sell products to underage buyers.

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Vape shops in Virginia that sell tobacco products to underage buyers could soon face real consequences after years in a legal gray area.

Del. Patrick Hope of Northern Virginia told WTOP he hears from parents often that their children know which vape shops will sell to them — even though the law prohibits the sale of tobacco or vape products to anyone under 21.

“I’ve heard from parents and I know we’ve seen the proliferation of these vape shops. These liquid nicotine products have flooded our markets in recent years and there hasn’t been sufficient oversight or regulatory measures in place. And oftentimes these products are making their way in the hands of underage buyers,” Hope said.

A new bill passed by the General Assembly would set up an enforcement system targeting vape shops that repeatedly sell to people under 21. Hope said that if those shops continue to break the law, the state will shut them down.

Hope said a major problem has been a lack of information. “We just haven’t known who they are. Last year, we passed a law that required these vape shops to register with the Department of Tax, and only 52 actually sent in their registration.”

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“We believe that there are close to 10,000 vape shops in the state and we want to make sure that we pull them under this regulatory scheme,” Hope added.

The bill directs the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, which already enforces alcohol sales laws, to hire inspectors for vape and tobacco shops. Once the bill is signed, Hope said he expects a quick rollout.

“Typically, bills in the General Assembly go into effect July of the year that they’re passed. We’ll have an educational program for a few months, but I would think that we would be operational probably by October. … I think they’ll be doing underage programs probably within the end of this year,” Hope said.

Hope said the legislation earned broad support in the Virginia General Assembly.

The bill now heads to Spanberger for her signature.

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Thursday, Fairfax County police said a major drug investigation targeted multiple vape shops, including a dozen Tobacco King vape shops, that are accused of selling illegal items, ranging from drugs to synthetic urine, and laundering money.

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PHOTOS: Virginia Beach Police investigate firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments

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PHOTOS: Virginia Beach Police investigate firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments


VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach Police are at the scene of a firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments Saturday afternoon, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.

The department also confirmed there are no shooting victims at this time.

10 On Your Side is at the scene and working to gather more information about the situation.

10 On Your Side will update this story when more information is available.

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Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.



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Hampton Roads leaders, experts weigh in on Virginia Supreme Court redistricting ruling

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Hampton Roads leaders, experts weigh in on Virginia Supreme Court redistricting ruling


PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Democrats are not happy about a state Supreme Court decision declaring last month’s referendum to draw new congressional districts null and void.

Democrats, however, have filed a motion asking the Virginia Court to delay its 4-3 decision while they file an emergency appeal to the United States Supreme Court.

Virginia’s current map that favors Democrats by a narrow 6-5 margin will stay in effect for the midterms. Both sides, though, have a lot to say to say about today’s decision.

Two months ago, you couldn’t avoid the political ads and mailers on both sides of the issue.

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“Everybody remembers we got a few million dollars worth of flyers in our mailboxes, and everything with redistricting that whole referendum has now been overturned by the court decision,” said Old Dominion University Associate Professor of Political Science Jesse Richman.

On April 21, Virginia voters approved redrawing congressional maps that would have given Democrats a 10-1 advantage, giving them a strong chance to pick up four additional seats in November.

More than two weeks later, the Virginia Supreme Court rendered the results null and void, saying the required constitutional processes were not followed before this was put up for a vote. So what does that mean for Virginians?

“As it is, we stay with the districts we have,” Richman said. “If [Democrat] Bobby Scott’s your representative, he’s still your representative. The lines aren’t moving. If [Republican] Jen Kiggans is your representative, [she’s] still your representative.”

Scott and Kiggans spoke to 10 On Your Side shortly after today’s decision.

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“I’m disappointed,” Scott said. “People voted, three million people voted, it carried in 55 of the 100 House of Delegates districts, so the people spoke.”

“It’s a big day for Virginia today,” Kiggans said. “It’s a victory for the rule of law [and] it’s a victory for fairness.”

That split reaction has also been felt among voters, some even rallying in front of the Virginia Supreme Court. One of them was Hampton’s NAACP Branch President Gaylene Kanoyton.

“We have got to make sure that we mobilize and don’t let this get us down,” Kanoyton said. “We need to be energized.”

Virginia Democrats have vowed to fight Friday’s ruling, saying they intend to file an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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“I expect we’ll see more intense political campaigning in the midterms in this area because of the Supreme Court’s decision,” Richman said.



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17th Annual VB Surf Art Expo kicks off summer season at Virginia Beach Oceanfront

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17th Annual VB Surf Art Expo kicks off summer season at Virginia Beach Oceanfront


90+ artists to exhibit on the Va. Beach boardwalk with the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Get ready for the largest surf art show on the East Coast!

The 17th Annual Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on the boardwalk, 3rd through 7th streets, will begin Saturday, May 23, through Sunday, May 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., ending on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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Courtesy: VB Surf Art Expo (Antone Nixon, with VB Sunrise)

The Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo features over 90 regional artists from Maine to the Mid-Atlantic region and down through Florida, capturing the essence of the beach, the ocean, wildlife, sea life, and surfing-related themes in art.

The Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo is partnered with the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic and the surfing competition at the 1st Street Jetty.

This event is an official kick-off to the summer season at the Oceanfront.

“Isn’t seeing an artist’s interpretation of the beach vibe the very best way to enjoy it? We drip salt water from our pores,” says Jodie Woodward, founder and show director of the Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo.

Surf art comes in all mediums, including painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, wood, metal, fiber, glass, and mixed media, all available for purchase at the art expo.

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Each artist has a special connection with surfing, the ocean, beach life, sea life, seascape scenes, shells, coral, dolphins, fish, lighthouses, mermaids, custom surfboard and skateboard designs. 

Expect to see more Patriotic themes this year in alignment with America’s 250th birthday, officials say.

“We can’t wait for the 23rd Annual Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic presented by Katin,” says D. Nachnani, president of Coastal Edge. “This Memorial Day Weekend, the heart of Virginia Beach becomes the soul of East Coast surfing. We’re proud to host the WSL World Tour Longboard event alongside our professional shortboard competition. With over 300 athletes representing more than a dozen countries, and a combined $16,000 purse on the line, this is more than a contest—it’s a celebration of art, athleticism, music, and the surf culture that defines our coast,” Nachnani went on to say.

For more information about the Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo, click here, call (757) 348-1048, connect on the Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo’s Facebook here, or their Instagram here.

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