FORT LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / July 13, 2020 / Schlesinger Law Offices P.A. of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida filed the first federal class action lawsuit against the makers of Puff Bar, an e-cigarette company that has skyrocketed in growth by taking advantage of a loophole in federal regulation meant to address the youth nicotine epidemic.
Puff Bar is an easy-to-use disposable e-cigarette that comes in a variety of fruity flavors such as piña colada, pink lemonade, watermelon, café latte and a blend called "O.M.G." The company also sells Puff Krush, flavored pods that are compatible with other e-cigarettes like Juul.
Recognizing that flavors attract youth, the government banned all but tobacco and menthol e-cigarette flavors earlier in the year. But the ban is limited to refillable cartridge-based e-cigarettes, it does not apply to disposable devices like Puff Bar. Puff Bar is now thriving at over $3 Million in sales and over 300,000 sticks in volume per week since April 2020.
The lawsuit accuses Puff Bar of mimicking Big Tobacco's youth marketing practices by using stylish models, bold colors and highlighting themes of sexual attractiveness, independence, and being "cool." The complaint notes that Puff Bar is exploiting the COVID-19 crisis by marketing the device as the "perfect escape from the back-to-back zoom calls" and "parental texts."
"We are dealing with a twisted business practice," remarked Schlesinger law attorney, Jonathan Gdanski, whose firm has been successfully litigating against the cigarette industry for the past 25 years. "Nicotine is a drug as addictive as heroin and cocaine. They market a drug called Puff Krush. Who has "crushes"? Teenagers. This industry will stop at nothing to avoid or defeat regulations to target youth, because the industry knows that nearly all life-long nicotine users begin as kids," Gdanski said.
The lawsuit further accuses Puff Bar of misleading consumers. According to the complaint, Puff Bar states that one stick is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes. But researchers found that one Puff Bar contains as much nicotine as two or three packs. "Not only does Puff Bar misrepresent nicotine levels, it makes improper health-reassurance claims that induce users to begin vaping," said Jeffrey Haberman, another Schlesinger law attorney.
The complaint was filed on behalf of a New Jersey teenager and asserts causes of action such as fraud, strict product liability, negligence, unfair business practices, and seeks injunctive relief.
ABOUT SCHLESINGER LAW OFFICES
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A. is a trial firm with a focus on public health advocacy dedicated to holding corporations, manufacturers and medical providers accountable for harm caused to members of the public by acts of negligence and misconduct. The firm has a reputation for powerful advocacy and has obtained justice and compensation for thousands of clients. For more information, log on to www.schlesingerlawoffices.com or call (954) 866-5493.
Media Contact: Lauren Berger lberger@boardroompr.com
SOURCE: Schlesinger Law Offices PA
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