The Denver City Council voted 11-1 on Monday night to ban the sale of flavored vapes, nicotine pouches, menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, and smokeless tobacco within the city limits. The law, which will take effect 90 days after Mayor Mike Johnston signs it, allows for the continued sale of flavored hookah products and all unflavored combustible cigarettes.
Mayor Johnston has expressed his full support for the ban, which is expected to impact approximately 550 Denver retail stores, according to Denverite.
Opposition from Retailers and Denver Post Editorial Board
Retailers led the opposition to the ban, arguing that it would hurt their businesses without effectively addressing the issue of youth access to these products. The Denver Post editorial board also opposed the measure, calling on the council to instead focus on "the real work to keep vapes out of the hands of teens through tough enforcement on licensed sellers and education."
However, these arguments failed to sway council members, who saw the ban as an opportunity to gain support from tobacco control activists and public health advocates. The Denver School Board had also passed a proclamation urging the council to ban flavored products, with supporters framing the ordinance as a means to protect children.
Previous Attempt Vetoed by Former Mayor
This is not the first time the Denver City Council has attempted to pass a flavored vape ban. Three years ago, a similar measure was passed but ultimately vetoed by then-mayor Michael Hancock, who argued that it would harm Denver businesses without effectively eliminating flavored vapes and menthol cigarettes from the city.
Denver joins six U.S. states and several other Colorado cities that have already passed flavored vape bans.
As a vaping industry professional, it is crucial to monitor legislative developments that may impact the sector and to advocate for evidence-based regulations that balance public health concerns with the rights of adult consumers and the viability of businesses. While preventing youth access to these products is a legitimate concern, policymakers should carefully evaluate the effectiveness of existing age restrictions and enforcement measures before resorting to broad prohibitions that may have unintended consequences for both businesses and adult consumers.
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