Denver Voters Uphold Law Ending Flavored Tobacco Sales in Big Win for Kids Over the Tobacco Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Denver voters have delivered a resounding victory for kids over the tobacco industry by upholding the city’s ordinance ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigars. Voters backed Referendum 310, the ballot measure to uphold the law, by a margin of 70% to 30%.

This vote clears the way for Denver to implement its ordinance to end the tobacco industry’s use of flavored products to target and addict kids, as well as Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, and other communities. The ordinance will protect kids from tobacco addiction, advance health equity, and save lives. 

The Denver City Council approved the ordinance on an 11-1 vote in December. However, tobacco industry interests, including tobacco giants Philip Morris International and Altria, once again put profits over health and sought to overturn the measure. But they were defeated by a strong, diverse coalition of over 70 health, education, civil rights, and community organizations that supported the ordinance. The Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund was proud to be part of this coalition.

We are incredibly grateful to our many partners in this effort. We also applaud City Council Members Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Shontel M. Lewis, and Darrell Watson for sponsoring and advocating for the ordinance, as well as Mayor Mike Johnston and other Colorado leaders who rallied support for the measure. We are also grateful to Michael R. Bloomberg for the exceptional leadership and support he provided in this campaign. 

By ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, Denver’s leaders and voters are creating a healthier future for kids and the entire city.