Denver City Council Considers Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products

The Denver City Council is revisiting an ordinance that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products. The proposal is sponsored by At-Large City Council Member Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, along with Council Members Shontel Lewis (District 8) and Darrell Watson (District 9).

The proposed 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 also seeks to eliminate penalties for underage purchase, use or possession (PUP) of tobacco products. Proponents argue that such laws do not effectively reduce youth tobacco use or addiction.

"Now it's being placed in front of a new council, a new mayor, and hopefully we can see this piece of legislation that has been worked on for such a long time come to fruition," said William Navarrete Moreno, a supporter of the potential ban.

A presentation regarding the ordinance references findings from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), which indicate that young people who vape are four times more likely to smoke cigarettes within a year. Additionally, research highlights how the tobacco industry has targeted specific groups such as Black and Hispanic communities as well as young people.

"Flavored tobacco products are not just a health issue. They are a public health crisis," stated Eric Heydorn from the American Heart Association during Monday's rally.

Concerns have also been raised about how this ordinance might impact retailers selling these products. Chip Creager, president of Creager Business Depot—a wholesaler serving around 900 customers across Colorado—expressed his concerns about potential business impacts.

"Well, [the ban] wouldn't put us out of business; it would have a meaningful effect—negative effect—on our business," Creager commented.

Creager believes banning these products could drive consumers to seek them elsewhere or online due to insufficient regulation on internet sales in Colorado.

"We don't really have a retail problem in our state. We have an online problem," he remarked.

The city council will discuss the ordinance further in committee on Wednesday. If approved there, it could be voted upon by Dec. 16 according to Councilwoman Lewis's timeline.