Denver’s Flavored Tobacco Ban Faces Potential Repeal Amidst Growing Debate
The battle over Denver’s flavored tobacco ban has reignited, as two groups seeking to overturn the law have submitted over 17,000 signatures to the city clerk’s office. If verified, this will far exceed the 9,400 signatures required to place the repeal measure on the ballot this year. This development sets the stage for yet another intense public debate over flavored tobacco and vaping regulations.
Background: The Ban and Its Impact
Denver City Council passed the ban in December with a 12-1 vote, following weeks of contentious debate and an extensive media campaign. Shortly after, Mayor Mike Johnston signed it into law, effectively prohibiting the sale of flavored vape and tobacco products within city limits.
The measure was aimed at curbing youth vaping, but it has faced strong opposition from vape shop owners and industry advocates who argue that it unfairly targets small businesses while failing to achieve its intended goals.
Small Businesses Fight Back
Local business owners have been vocal in their opposition, claiming that the ban will drive consumers to neighboring cities like Lakewood, Glendale, and Aurora, rather than stopping them from purchasing flavored products altogether.
“This ban is an attack on family-owned and minority-owned businesses already struggling with rising costs and inflation,” said Phil Guerin, owner of Myxed Up Creations and president of the Rocky Mountain Smoke Free Alliance (RMSFA). “The city already enforces strict age restrictions on these products, just like with alcohol and marijuana. Banning them won’t stop sales—it will just push them elsewhere.”
Surveys have shown that the most utilized flavors to quit smoking in the U.S. are those of fruit, baked goods and chocolate.
“The most interesting data is that when a smoker decides to quit smoking using modified-risk electronic tools, they gravitate toward flavors different from tobacco.” Konstantinos Farsalinos
Supporters of the Ban Remain Confident
Despite the push for repeal, proponents of the flavored tobacco ban believe Denver residents will uphold the measure.
Council member Darrell Watson, a key sponsor of the ban, dismissed the repeal effort as “ill-considered.” “Vaping interests already waged an expensive campaign last year when this issue was wisely approved by an 11-1 vote in the City Council,” he stated. “I will continue to stand with health care providers, educators, and families to maintain these hard-fought protections.”
The Flavors Hook Kids Denver Coalition also condemned the repeal attempt, arguing that it prioritizes corporate profits over public health, particularly the well-being of Denver’s youth.
“Despite the industry’s efforts to derail this progress with an expensive ballot campaign, we remain confident that Denver residents will continue to stand up for the health and future of our kids,” said Illana Poley of Flavors Hook Kids.
The Office of the Clerk and Recorder has until April 12 to verify the submitted signatures. If confirmed, the measure will be placed on the November 2025 ballot, unless the City Council decides to hold a special election.
A High-Stakes Battle Ahead
Both sides are preparing for an intense and costly campaign. The fight over flavored tobacco bans is not unique to Denver; it mirrors national and global debates between the tobacco industry and public health advocates. The outcome of this battle will likely set a precedent for other cities considering similar measures.
Polling data suggests that many Denver voters remain undecided on the issue, with roughly 40% still unsure about the ban.
“People just don’t have enough information,” said Guerin. “When we explain what’s happening, we find a lot of support for our cause.”
Meanwhile, ban supporters believe that Denver voters understand the public health risks associated with flavored tobacco. “They know why this policy is needed and what’s at stake,” said Jodi Radke of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
With millions likely to be spent on advertising, lobbying, and voter outreach, Denver is set for a fierce showdown over the future of flavored tobacco sales. As both sides make their case to the public, the final decision will rest in the hands of voters come November.
