The Denver City Council has voted 11 to 1 to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, vapes, and other flavored nicotine and tobacco products. The decision came after a lengthy meeting on Monday night, which saw 34 community members speak on both sides of the issue.
Supporters Argue for Youth Protection
Supporters of the ban, wearing red, argued that the measure is necessary to make it more difficult for teens and young adults to access these products. One speaker emphasized the addictive nature of nicotine, comparing it to drugs like cocaine and heroin. Another shared a personal story about her father's struggles with smoking as his only coping mechanism.
Opposition from Tobacco and Vape Shop Owners
Those opposed to the ban, wearing yellow shirts with the slogan "Stop the Menthol Ban! Save our Stores and Jobs!", consisted primarily of tobacco and vape shop owners. They argued that the ordinance punishes law-abiding businesses that don't sell to underage users, while customers can easily purchase these products in nearby cities. Manraj Singh, owner of All in One, warned that the ban could destroy small local businesses, citing his uncle's shop in Golden, which has seen a 30% drop in sales due to a similar flavor ban.
Concerns Over Enforcement and Effectiveness
Anthony Carothers, a retired Chicago Police Department officer with over 30 years of service, attended the meeting and expressed doubts about the effectiveness of bans in general. He argued that the only way to create change is to alter the way people think about an item, not by prohibiting it. Carothers also raised concerns about the enforcement of such a ban, given the shortage of officers in major cities across the country.
Denver Joins Seven Other Colorado Cities in Restricting Flavored Tobacco Sales
With the passage of this ordinance, Denver joins seven other Colorado cities that have already restricted or prohibited the sale of flavored tobacco products, including Aspen, Boulder, Carbondale, Edgewater, Glenwood Springs, Golden, and Snowmass.