Replica Handgun Torch Lighters Sold at Vape Shops Spark Safety Concerns

Despite being banned in Illinois since 2010, these novelty lighters continue to be sold, raising risks for police and the community.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Vape shops across Chicago and the suburbs are selling replica handgun torch lighters, despite a 16-year-old state law banning the sale of such novelty items. Community leaders and law enforcement are warning of the potential dangers these lighters pose, as they can be mistaken for real firearms, putting both police officers and the public at risk.

Why it matters

The sale of these replica handgun lighters highlights the lack of enforcement of the 2010 Illinois law prohibiting their sale. This issue is particularly concerning in light of past incidents where police have mistaken objects for real guns, leading to tragic outcomes. The continued availability of these lighters in vape shops raises questions about public safety and the need for stricter enforcement of existing laws.

The details

Vape shops have been found stocking and selling replica handgun torch lighters, which are designed to look like real firearms when the lighter is pulled out of the packaging. Despite a 2010 Illinois law banning the sale of such novelty items, the law appears to be going unenforced as more vape shops open across the city and suburbs. Community leaders and law enforcement warn that these lighters could be mistaken for real guns, potentially leading to dangerous confrontations with police or other individuals.

  • In 2010, Illinois passed a law making it illegal for any businesses to sell novelty gun lighters.
  • In 2022, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability recommended that a Chicago police officer be fired for shooting and paralyzing a 13-year-old, mistaking the teen's cell phone for a weapon.

The players

Councilman Joseph Williams

A member of the 7th District council and the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, representing the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago.

Terry White

The Police Chief of Robbins, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“Just think about what that looks like if I have got an all-black 9mm replica that's a torch lighter and holding it in my hand.”

— Councilman Joseph Williams, Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability

“To a child, this is a toy, to an adult, this is maybe impressing someone—either way, it's a nightmare to any police officer.”

— Terry White, Police Chief

What’s next

Councilman Williams said he plans to work to ensure vape shops in his district comply with the 2010 law banning the sale of replica handgun torch lighters.

The takeaway

The continued sale of these replica handgun torch lighters in vape shops, despite a longstanding Illinois law prohibiting them, highlights the need for stronger enforcement to protect the community and prevent potentially dangerous misunderstandings with law enforcement.