City of Oxford, Mississippi Enacts Vaping Ban for Minors

Code of Ordinances, 50-94 Restrictions on Electronic Smoking Devices and electronic smoking pod(s), cartridge(s), and liquid refill(s)

At their last two meetings, Mayor Robyn Tannehill and City of Oxford Board of Aldermen were presented with an ordinance aimed at protecting the youth of Oxford, Mississippi. Last night, the Board of Alderman voted to pass the ordinance and make the same effective immediately.

The new ordinance adds restrictions on selling and possessing electronic smoking devices and cartridges to anyone under the age of 21 and possession on school grounds. Anyone under 21 caught with an electronic smoking device or cartridge could face up to a $100 fine for a 3^rd offense.

The purpose of the ordinance, however, is to combat the selling of devices and/or cartridges to children under the age of 18. The Oxford Police Department will not tolerate these items being sold to high school and junior high students. Clerks who violate this section of the ordinance could face an enhanced penalty of a $1,000 fine and a misdemeanor conviction.

Further, the Board of Aldermen may suspend or revoke the business license of any repeat offender.

“This is about protecting our children from taking an unregulated substance,” said Chief Jeff McCutchen. “It’s no secret that vaping in our schools is a problem and we want students, parents, and business owners to know that this is going to be taken seriously.”

Tags: Ban, Jeff McCutchen, Mississippi, Oxford, Oxford Police Department, vape, Vaping

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Oxford Police Department The Oxford Police Department is housed 715 Molly Barr Road. The department has more than 70 full-time officers and staff and provides a wide range of protection and enforcement services. The Police Department has a community-oriented policing philosophy and provides around-the-clock patrols. Other services include crime prevention programs, such as Neighborhood Watch and D.A.R.E., as well as specialized units including Mounted Patrol, K-9 Unit, DUI Enforcement and the City Dispatch. Crime Reports provided to The Local Voice come directly from the Oxford Police Department.