Denver Considers Banning Flavored Tobacco Products

Denver city leaders have reopened discussions about potentially banning the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored nicotine products. At-Large City Council Member Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Council Member Shontel Lewis (District 8), and Council Member Darrell Watson (District 9) sponsored the proposal, which they presented to the Denver City Council’s Budget and Policy Committee on Monday.

The ordinance aims to “prohibit the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including fruit and candy flavored e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, flavored hookah tobacco and flavored chew and pouches.” It encompasses both nicotine and tobacco products. The council members’ primary motivation for the proposal is to address the growing issue of addiction among children.

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Immediate Action Expected if Ordinance Passes

Council Member Watson acknowledged that the ordinance must overcome several hurdles before becoming law. However, he emphasized that if enacted, it would trigger an immediate process to end the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products in Denver.

Local Business Owner Expresses Concerns

Jeremiah Martinez, owner of Hush Vapor, a vape shop near downtown Denver, expressed his frustration with the proposed ban. “That’s a slap in the face to us,” Martinez said. “If that does go through it, it would run us out of business.”

Martinez, who has owned Hush Vapor on Santa Fe Drive for the past four years, reported that business has been good. The shop recently installed a new drive-thru window to facilitate sales and allow customers to make purchases easily. While Martinez does not sell flavored tobacco products like e-cigarettes, his staff does sell flavored nicotine products, which he identified as their top seller.

Previous Attempt to Ban Flavored Tobacco Products

This is not the first time the Denver City Council has attempted to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products. In December 2021, the council approved a ban, but then-Mayor Michael Hancock vetoed the measure.

Monday’s presentation marked the first step in the process for a potential ban. The ordinance must clear several more hurdles, including full city council approval, before becoming law.

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Denver city leaders revisit potential ban on flavored tobacco product sales

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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.