Denver Mayor Vetoes Flavor Ban, Council Could Override

Denver, Colorado Mayor Michael Hancock issued a veto Friday on a flavored vaping and tobacco ban approved by city council on Dec. 6. Approved in an 8-3 vote, the ban was slated to begin in 2023, pending Hancock’s signature.

“I want the public to understand I share the same objective that this bill promoted, but to do it in Denver, it would have only been, in my eyes, symbolic,” Hancock told Denver’s Fox31 news.

“Kids could have still crossed the street to Aurora and purchased the product. Businesses were going to be hurt because people would go across the street to procure the product, as opposed to coming into their store where it would be banned, and that to me is just not responsible legislation.”

The measure’s main sponsor, Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer, said she had been hearing about the potential for a veto.

“Disappointed, yes, but surprised, no,” Sawyer said. “When I spoke to the mayor earlier today, he and I talked about the potential for other options moving forward. And although we’ve been working on this for a year or so, you know some of those options could have absolutely been pursued by now and haven’t been, but I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to find a good partnership moving forward.”

Hancock said he isn’t sure what will happen Monday, where the City Council will have the decision to override his veto. The council will need 9 votes to do so.