The president of the campaign group opposing the ban said that instead of creating a new prohibition for adults, Denver should better enforce its earlier ban on sales of the products to children.

A campaign group seeking to overturn Denver’s ban on flavored tobacco sales in the November election has far outraised supporters of the prohibition, campaign finance records show.

The opponents of the ban, a coalition of Denver vape store owners organized as a group called “Citizen Power!,” raised $410,000 through the end of August, according to campaign finance reports filed this month. The campaign group supporting the ban, “Denver Kids vs. Big Tobacco,” raised about $245,000.

In December, the Denver City Council near-unanimously approved a ban on sales of most flavored tobacco and nicotine products after public health and children’s advocates argued the products could lure young people into a life of addiction.

The council approved the ban, which applies to any sales within city limits, despite heavy lobbying from tobacco companies and vape stores. Mayor Mike Johnston signed it.

    • pelespirit@sh.itjust.worksOPMEnglish
      34·
      2 days ago

      It makes it seem like candy and gets young people addicted early.

      “I have seen firsthand how tobacco products, especially when introduced at a young age, can shape a lifetime of struggle,” Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez said at the time.