Denver’s comprehensive ban on flavored tobacco products, including flavored vapes, menthol cigarettes, Zyn nicotine pouches, flavored cigars, chew, and snus, has ignited a fierce debate between public health advocates and local businesses. While the ordinance, sponsored by City Councilmembers Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Shontel Lewis, and Darrell Watson, passed with an 11-1 vote and was signed into law by Mayor Mike Johnston, its full implementation faces a significant hurdle: a potential repeal by voters in the November 2025 election.
Read moreTag Archive for: Flavored Tobacco Ban
Health Advocates Launch Campaign to Uphold Ban Amid Retailer Repeal Effort
Denver voters will decide the fate of the city’s ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products this fall, as a campaign led by Children’s Hospital Colorado and health advocates launches to defend the ordinance against a repeal initiative.
Read moreIn a move to align with European Union directives, the Estonian parliament, Riigikogu, has passed amendments to the Tobacco Act, prohibiting the sale of flavored and aromatic heated tobacco products in the country. The bill, which was adopted on Wednesday, April 23, received overwhelming support from the deputies, with 68 voting in favor, seven against, and one abstention.
Read moreWashington state lawmakers have resurrected a bill that aims to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including vapes and menthol cigarettes, by July 2027. House Bill 2068, sponsored by Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, received a committee hearing on Monday, despite a similar proposal failing to move forward earlier in the legislative session.
Read moreDemocratic lawmakers in Washington state have introduced new legislation to the House and Senate that would ban flavored tobacco products and increase cigarette taxes. House Bill 2068, inspired by multiple studies revealing the overwhelming preference for flavored tobacco among middle and high school students, aims to address the growing concern over youth tobacco and vape use.
Read moreAs of April 1, 2025, Australia has introduced a comprehensive set of new laws that significantly change the appearance, ingredients, and packaging of tobacco products. The Australian government passed this package of tobacco laws in late 2023, which includes several key measures:
Read moreOregon lawmakers are pushing for a statewide ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, in an effort to curb teen vaping. Senate Bill 702, sponsored by state lawmaker and pediatric dentist Hai Pham of Beaverton, is expected to head to the Senate floor for a vote this week.
Read moreNon-Menthol Flavors Targeted First in New Anti-Smoking Push
Hong Kong authorities plan to ban the sale of flavored smoking products starting next year, likely in 2026, beginning with non-menthol varieties. Sources indicate the government will submit an amendment bill to the legislature soon to implement these changes.
This measure is part of a phased approach to introduce ten previously announced tobacco control measures. The ban on flavors, such as fruit options, aims to reduce the appeal of smoking, particularly among young people. Additionally, the bill is expected to propose prohibiting smoking within three meters of entrances to specific locations, including schools and hospitals. These steps reflect Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its anti-smoking policies.
The European Commission is set to rule on the draft Royal Decree regulating certain aspects of tobacco products and their derivatives in Spain on April 28, 2025. The proposed legislation, spearheaded by the Spanish Ministry of Health, seeks to restrict the presence of flavors in electronic cigarettes and limit the nicotine concentration in nicotine pouches to 0.99 milligrams.
Read moreFor many convenience store owners, flavored tobacco products play a crucial role in supporting the bottom line and keeping doors open. These products are particularly important for businesses that provide stable jobs and career growth opportunities to individuals who may have faced challenges in their lives, such as limited education or past hardships. However, most of these store owners now have serious concerns about the state’s proposed ban on flavored tobacco products.
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