COFFEE COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS News) - Law enforcement agencies in Coffee County are reportedly preparing for a major crackdown targeting businesses accused of selling vape products, CBD items, and other age-restricted merchandise to minors.
About 30 minutes southeast of Rutherford County, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, alongside the Manchester Police Department and Tullahoma Police Department, recently distributed a formal warning notice to local retailers ahead of what officials described as a coordinated enforcement sweep aimed at stores allegedly violating Tennessee law. The document warns that criminal statutes tied to underage possession and contributing to the delinquency of a minor will be “fully enforced going forward.”
The notice, signed by Coffee County Sheriff Chad Partin, Manchester Police Chief Adam Floied, and Tullahoma Police Chief Chase Sons, outlines growing concerns among officers, educators, school resource deputies, parents, and community leaders regarding the rising presence of vaping devices and nicotine-related products in the hands of teenagers.
According to the distributed advisory, authorities claim previous citations issued to certain businesses reportedly failed to slow the availability of restricted merchandise to underage individuals. Officials stated they are now preparing to intensify oversight efforts throughout the county.
The letter specifically references Tennessee Code 37-1-156, which addresses contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Under that statute, adults who allegedly encourage or assist unlawful conduct involving juveniles could face a Class A misdemeanor charge. The document also cites Tennessee Code 39-17-1505, which makes it unlawful for anyone under 21 years old to possess tobacco, smoking hemp, vapor products, or smokeless nicotine items.
Investigators did not publicly identify any specific stores or employees accused of wrongdoing, nor did the notice indicate when enforcement operations could begin. However, the communication strongly suggests authorities intend to conduct compliance checks involving retailers across the region.
In bold highlighted wording directed toward businesses, the notice states, “Store owners, please speak with your employees about this and please explain the seriousness of this.” A separate highlighted section urges parents to discuss “the health dangers of these products” with children.
The warning arrives as communities throughout Tennessee — including areas near Rutherford County — continue grappling with growing concerns surrounding youth vaping, flavored nicotine cartridges, THC alternatives, and CBD products marketed toward younger consumers. National studies in recent years have shown increased usage among teenagers, particularly involving disposable vaping devices sold in colorful packaging and candy-inspired flavors.
Across Middle Tennessee, school administrators and law enforcement agencies have reportedly expanded educational programs, campus monitoring, and awareness campaigns tied to nicotine consumption among students. Some school districts have even installed vape detection sensors inside restrooms and locker room areas in an attempt to curb usage during school hours.
Officials in Coffee County indicated the upcoming initiative is designed not only to hold businesses accountable, but also to encourage cooperation between merchants, families, educators, and officers before criminal penalties become necessary.
The notice closes with a large message printed in red lettering stating, “Let’s Fight This Together!!!!!”
While Rutherford County agencies have not announced a similar operation at this time, the concerns highlighted in Coffee County mirror conversations taking place across Tennessee as authorities continue addressing underage access to nicotine and hemp-derived products.
