Retailers who sell flavored tobacco products in Denver packed into a small room Wednesday for the Safety, Housing, Education and Homelessness Committee meeting of the Denver City Council.
The business owners were not allowed to speak about Denver’s proposed flavor tobacco ban because public testimony is not taken during committee meetings. Council President Amanda Sandoval assured the merchants that they will have plenty of opportunities to speak on the proposed ban in the future. There will be at least one public hearing, she said, and those opposed to the ban also can speak during public comment period at Monday night meetings.
Flynn admits to being Marlboro man
On Wednesday, council member Kevin Flynn received a round of applause from the retailers during the committee after he said he does not support the ban. Flynn admitted to being a Marlboro man during high school and college. He later gave up smoking.
“I don’t believe in banning a legal product because that bans it for adults as well,” Flynn said. “If an adult wants to smoke a pack of Kools he or she should be able to buy it in Denver.” Flynn said he supports a “death penalty” plan for retailers who sell to minors. That is, they would lose their tobacco license if caught selling flavored tobacco to children.