Smoke Shop Owner Accused Of Selling To Underage Kids

Photo courtesy Point Pleasant Beach Police

  POINT PLEASANT BEACH – The owner of a local smoke shop has been charged with selling nicotine products to underage individuals, according to police.

  Owner of Nobles Smoke Shop Paul An has been charged with one count of 2C:33-13.1A for the sale of nicotine products to persons under the age of 21 as the result of an undercover investigation.

  Point Pleasant Beach Detectives launched an investigation into the smoke shop after receiving numerous complaints from residents concerned citizens “regarding underage individuals being routinely sold vaping products at that location,” according to police.

  Back in July, a similar situation occurred which resulted in the owner’s daughter, Rachel An, being charged with three counts of 2C:33-13.1A for the sale of nicotine products to persons under the age of 21.

  “We will continue to focus our attention on this business, and any others that choose to profit off the sale of tobacco products to underage persons. I encourage all parents and guardians to sit down with your children and discuss the many dangers associated with use of tobacco products, especially our newest threat; E-Cigarettes,” stated Police Chief Joseph Michigan.

  Police encourage anyone with information on businesses selling e-cigarettes to underage individuals to contact the department at 732-892-0500.