Aurora faces call to ban flavored tobacco

A coalition named Flavors Hook Kids Aurora is urging the Aurora City Council to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products. This includes flavored vapes, menthol cigarettes, and nicotine pouches, mirroring a ban recently implemented in Denver. Advocates emphasize that children's health should not depend on their zip code, highlighting the particular appeal of candy-flavored products and colorful packaging to young people.

According to Colorado's 2025 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, over a quarter of high school students have tried vaping. A poll commissioned by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids found 70% of likely Aurora voters support ending flavored tobacco sales. Despite this, no ordinance has been formally introduced, and Councilmember Gianina Horton notes that further consideration and business conversations are necessary before any proposal.

In March, Aurora City Council did approve new licensing requirements for tobacco retailers, enhancing compliance checks and operational restrictions. However, this ordinance did not extend to a ban on flavored products. Retailers in Denver reported significant sales drops after their ban, raising concerns about adult alternative product use.