Denver may snuff out the sweet stuff
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Flavored tobacco products could be banned from local store shelves if a new Denver City Council proposal is approved.
Why it matters: The policy would restrict local access to products some advocates say disproportionately appeal to young people and communities of color, which can lead to poor health conditions.
State of play: Councilmembers will host a discussion on the proposal Monday, and a formal bill will be introduced on Nov. 9, bill co-sponsor Councilmember Darell Watson told us.
Between the lines: Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on Thursday told us he would sign a flavored tobacco ban if the City Council approves it, calling it a "common sense" measure.
Zoom in: The proposal would ban products including flavored e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes and flavored hookah, chew and pouches, per Denverite.
Context: Denver's school board last month called on the City Council to ban flavored products, an effort public health advocates have pushed for years due to the negative health impacts.
Yes, but: In the past, the proposal has gotten pushback from people who call it government overreach and those skeptical about its ability to curb teen smoking rates.
The intrigue: The Biden administration considered a federal menthol cigarette ban before hitting pause earlier this year citing potential backlash from the Black community, which uses those cigarettes at a higher rate than white consumers.
What they're saying: "It's something that folks have an appetite for and to make sure that we are protecting our kids," new bill co-sponsor Councilmember Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez told us about the proposal.
Flashback: Then-Denver Mayor Michael Hancock in 2021 vetoed a similar bill passed by Denver City Council, saying at the time he preferred a regional or statewide ban.
The bottom line: Tobacco use rates for teenagers fell to its lowest rate since 1999, according to 2024 federal estimates released last week.
- However, public health advocates say flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches are still popular among kids, with one in 12 middle and high school students reporting tobacco use.
What's next: Watson says a public hearing on the bill will be scheduled after it is formally introduced.