Genk (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): During a recent inspection in Genk, Mayor Wim Dries found illegal snus and e-cigarettes in a store, prompting a two-month closure. The shop owner plans to appeal, claiming products were leftover from last year. Snus remains banned in Belgium due to its addictive nature.
The operator faced inspections in the past, leading to rules being set due to violations. During the latest inspection, products that did not meet regulations were found, including chewing tobacco and certain e-cigarettes. A large amount of snus, a tobacco-filled teabag that users place under their upper lip for quick nicotine absorption, was also discovered. Because snus is addictive, its sale may be banned in Belgium.
How will Mayor Wim Dries address illegal snus sales in Genk?
During the last inspection, snus was still found in the store, prompting Mayor Wim Dries (CD&V) to remind that a ban on snus and other addictive products was imposed last year after 7 kilos were discovered. The store will now be closed for two months. The shop owner expressed regret over the decision and is hiring a lawyer, explaining that the products were leftover from last year and needed to be returned to suppliers. He also admitted to selling an e-cigarette to a minor once.
The city got reports from the school inspector and others about the store selling to minors. Mayor Wim Dries said they found illegal snus still in the shop. The owner was warned after selling an e-cigarette to a minor during the first inspection. In the second inspection, they took away some products and set rules, but complaints kept coming in. The store can reopen on December 6, and the mayor said there will be more checks. The owner is thinking about appealing the store’s temporary closure.
