Denver Mayor Michael Hancock used his veto power for only the second time in his tenure to block a bill that would have banned the sale of most flavored tobacco and vaping products in the city in 2023, drawing criticism from those who say the mayor chose to put profits over a public health crisis.
Hancock sent a letter Friday morning to City Council that said a Denver ban would be ineffective because surrounding counties would still allow sales and it would harm small businesses.
He declined to speculate on whether the Council will override his veto during their Monday night meeting. But the mayor offered to work on a compromise, including boosting enforcement of existing laws, in the coming year.
“I believe in passing and implementing effective policies,” Hancock said in an interview with The Denver Post. “I didn’t see that this bill singling Denver out would do anything to keep nicotine and vaping products from our young people.”
Noelle Phillips – Dever Post – 2021-12-10.
Want More Investigative Content?
