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A proposed ban on flavored tobacco products passed through the committee level Wednesday and now heads to the full council.
DENVER — Denver is one step closer to banning the sale of flavored tobacco products after a committee vote on Wednesday. The bill passed the Safety, Housing, Education and Homelessness Committee 6-1, and now moves to the full city council for approval.
The proposal, which could affect more than 500 Denver stores, would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in Denver.
Roughly 550 stores would be impacted by the change, with some arguing a ban could reduce their sales by 30% and put them out of business.
“I’m strongly opposed of the flavor ban in Denver,” said one speaker. “It destroys lives and lays off hundreds of employees.”
At the committee meeting, proponents of the ban argued that flavored tobacco products, including vaping products, often appeal to young people and contribute to lifelong addiction.
“Research has shown that flavored tobacco serves as a gateway for young people to develop lifelong addictions,” one supporter said, emphasizing the public health risks posed by these products.
A similar ban was vetoed by former Mayor Michael Hancock in 2021, but current Mayor Mike Johnston has expressed support for the measure.
The full council could vote on the issue as early as Dec. 16.
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