Denver's Flavored Tobacco Ban Debate

The Denver City Council has advanced a proposal to ban the sale of most flavored vape and tobacco products within the city, with a public hearing and potential final vote scheduled for Monday, December 16. The measure, which aims to curb nicotine addiction and improve public health, has sparked a heated debate between supporters and opponents, each with their own personal stories and concerns.

Personal Experiences Drive Support for Ban

Many supporters of the flavored tobacco ban, including city council members and youth advocates, have shared their own experiences with the devastating effects of tobacco use. High school senior Isaac Hysten, whose mother died of a heart attack caused by a lifelong smoking habit, spoke at a youth rally in favor of the ban. Hysten himself struggled with flavored vape addiction before quitting.

Council members Shontel M. Lewis, Darrell Watson, and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, who sponsored the proposal, also cited personal and family histories with tobacco addiction as motivation for their support. Council President Amanda Sandoval shared her own story of losing her father to pancreatic cancer caused by smoking and her concern over her daughter’s vaping habit.

Read more: Vaping is the Safer Alternative of Tobacco Smoking for a Healthier Lifestyle

*Sales data do not reflect sales from vape shops or online retailers; dates represent end of 4-week periods; e-cigarette accessories and devices sold without e-liquids were excluded (9.5% of total dollar sales in 2022). Unit sales were standardized to reflect the most common package size for each product type. A standardized unit was equal to five prefilled cartridges, one disposable device, or one e-liquid bottle.†All Other Flavors category includes fruit, clove/spice, chocolate, alcoholic drink (such as wine, cognac, or other cocktails), candy/desserts/other sweets, some other flavor; Clear/Other Cooling include products with flavor names such as clear, clear ice, or unflavored, which likely contain non-menthol synthetic cooling agents (e.g., Flum Pebble Clear, EB Design BC5000 Clear) — *Image source: https://tobaccomonitoring.org/state/colorado/

Business Owners Oppose Ban, Cite Adult Choice and Economic Impact

Opponents of the ban, including local tobacco and vape shop owners, argue that it would not effectively reduce consumption rates and would instead drive sales underground or to neighboring cities. Phil Guerin, owner of Myxed Up Creations on Colfax Avenue, emphasized that flavored products are popular among adults looking to quit smoking and that the ban would infringe upon adult choice.

Guerin, who has taken measures to prevent sales to minors, said the ban would put his business “in peril” and that education about tobacco and nicotine should start in the home. Opponents also point out that the ban could eliminate millions in tax revenue for the city.

Tobacco Use: A Leading Cause of Preventable Death

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and Colorado, killing more than 5,000 Coloradans each year. Supporters of the ban emphasize that flavors lure people, particularly youth and young adults, into hard-to-quit addictions. Menthol cigarettes, in particular, disproportionately impact Black Americans and other minority groups.

More than 550 retailers currently sell flavored tobacco products in Denver, with many residents living within walking distance of a tobacco retailer. The city’s public health department has issued 660 tobacco violations between 2017 and 2023.

As the debate continues, both sides agree on one point: children should not be using these products. The outcome of the December 16 public hearing and potential final vote will determine the future of flavored tobacco sales in Denver.

Also read: Massachusetts Generational Tobacco Ban Bill Set for 2024

Author
Recent Posts

Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.