Colorado, Denver’s Flavored Tobacco Ban Battle Heats Up

The campaign battle over Denver’s ban on flavored tobacco and vaping products is intensifying, with both sides collectively raising over $650,000 to influence voters ahead of the November election. Campaign finance filings reveal a significant fundraising advantage for the group seeking to overturn the ban.

The Denver City Council passed the ban last year, but its fate now rests with voters in Referendum 310. A “yes” vote will keep the ban on flavored products in place, while a “no” vote will repeal it. The city has stated it will not enforce the ban until after the election.

• Read more: Denver’s Flavored Tobacco Ban Repeal Effort Outraises Opposition 2-to-1

The campaign to repeal the ban, known as “Citizen Power!”, has raised $410,000. Major contributors include tobacco giants Altria and Philip Morris International, each donating $75,000, and the Rocky Mountain Smoke Free Alliance, which has given nearly $173,000. Supporters of the repeal argue the ban hurts small businesses like vape shops and convenience stores, does little to stop youth access (as products can be bought online or in neighboring cities), and removes products that help adults quit smoking. They also highlight the loss of millions in sales tax revenue for the city.

The campaign to keep the ban, “Denver Kids vs Big Tobacco,” has raised about $245,000. A prominent new donor is former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who contributed $73,500. Other backers include the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund and Kaiser Permanente. Proponents argue the ban is essential to protect children from becoming addicted to nicotine through youth-appealing flavors like “Raspberry Chill” and “Root Beer Float.” Both sides are expected to ramp up their campaigns with mailers and TV ads.

• Read more: PMTA Vape Registry Bills: Protecting Health or Big Tobacco?
• News source: The fight over Denver’s flavored tobacco ban starts to heat up

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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.

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