DENVER — It comes as no big surprise that the Denver County Republican Party’s official recommendation on Referendum 310 — which asks voters if the flavored nicotine ban recently passed by city council should remain in place — is a no.
The flavor ban, passed in 2024 and signed into law by Mayor Mike Johnston, has faced much backlash by retailers and residents since its passage, enough so that a group of citizens gathered sufficient signatures to put the issue on the November ballot.
However, what may come as a bit of a surprise, was the reveal by the Denver Democrat Party’s captain of strategic initiatives, Deep Singh Badhesha, who said in an X post recently:
“After a fight, the Denver Democrats will officially take no position on the flavored tobacco ban.”
Even more interesting was his final comment where he urged Denver voters to vote no on the flavor ban as well.
“Let’s stop nanny-state politics that alienate working class voters & protect much-needed revenue. This kind of government overreach is exactly what turns voters off,” he said.
The post has received nearly 5,000 views.
So, in an off-year election which generally doesn’t spark a big turnout, this could be the year that the nearly 43,500 registered Republicans in Denver could help overturn the flavor ban, if they show up to the ballot box.
In addition, the federal government may have given repeal advocates a big boost towards unwinding the ban. Shortly after it was voted into place, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) okayed the marketing of Zyn nicotine pouches, which the FDA calls “beneficial” as an alternative to tobacco products. Zyn products are outlawed under the Denver ban.
Additionally, a study by the National Institute of Health reported in its conclusion that “vaping appears to be an effective method for smoking cessation, and it is associated with a lower risk of adverse events than combustible cigarettes.”
Markus Lindblad, the head of legal and external affairs at Nicokick.com, one of the largest online retailers of nicotine pouches in the US, agreed.
“Instead of punishing smokers who have managed to quit by using attractive and good-tasting nicotine pouches, lawmakers should focus on actually protecting the public,” he said. “Enforce laws that forbid underaged individuals from purchasing all nicotine products. Create nicotine-free zones around schools and colleges. Push back against the illegal Chinese import of vapes. Only 1 out of 8 Denverites is using an FDA-approved vape. Stop making things harder for responsible, adult citizens and do your job.”
In other endorsements: The Denver GOP also called for a no vote on the five “Vibrant Denver” bond debt questions, with the only yes recommendation being Referred Question 2G, which changes the method for electing at-large city council members.
They also urged a no vote on the two statewide measures, Propositions LL and MM, which will increase the taxes on Colorado’s top earners for the Health School Meals for All program, as well as de-TABORs revenue from the original ‘free’ school lunch measure passed by Colorado voters in 2022.
