Good News From Aspen!

This month, the city of Aspen considered a measure that would ban flavored vaping liquids.  With the help of American Heart Association volunteers and staff, that measure passed!

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After over two hours of presentation, testimony, and discussion, the Aspen City Council voted 4-0 to pass a ban on vaping liquid that contains a characterizing flavor.   Those testifying in support of a full ban included Dr. Kim Levin ( Chief Medical Officer for Pitkin County), and Rita Turetsky (Tobacco Specialist for Pitkin County) and some community members and advocates.

This vote initially occurred for two reasons: Councilmember Mullins, champion of a full flavor ban on all tobacco products, was unable to get back to Aspen for the vote due to a flight cancellation. Without her vote, the Council was deadlocked at a 2-2- vote.  The decision to pass the partial ban was to have an affirmative vote to then bring up the ordinance for reconsideration to vote on a full ban once Mullins is in attendance in person at the June 10 meeting. June 10 is the final meeting of the existing Council as Mayor Skadron, Councilmember Frisch, and Councilmember Myrin are not returning.  Our Pitkin County Health Department partners are working to determine how the June 10 meeting will flow and what we need to do to ensure that the Council stays strong their commitment to passing a full ban.

Much thanks to all our advocates and staff who worked on this campaign! From letters of support, council outreach, and mobilizing the tobacco-free alliance, everyone’s work has truly helped move this issue forward and sent a precedent for future tobacco campaigns in Colorado!

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