Utah’s Flavored Vape Juice Ban Hits Hard: Retailers and Advocates Respond
SPRINGVILLE, Utah — A sweeping ban on flavored vape juices has left shelves empty at local stores like VIP Vapors and ignited strong reactions from both retailers and the community. The ban, enacted due to concerns over youth vaping, prohibits vape shops from selling flavored products, forcing many to remove them on short notice or face fines.
"I wish they would take some responsibility for their kids rather than dictate what I can buy," said Jesse Wright, a frustrated customer, in an interview with FOX 13 News. Store owner Juan Bravo described the law as crippling, reducing his revenue by 95% since the ban took effect. “We’re down to doing a fraction of what we do,” he noted, highlighting the challenges for businesses dependent on flavored products.
Despite an ongoing appeal by the Utah Vapor Business Association against the ban, local health departments are actively enforcing the law. The Utah County Health Department defended its enforcement, stating its commitment to protecting community health and youth from the risks associated with flavored tobacco products.
Some advocates, however, see the ban as a necessary public health measure. Pam Holiday from the Washington County Prevention Coalition remarked that it is a “significant step in public health policy,” aimed at reducing youth nicotine use. Research suggests declines in vaping among students, indicating that prevention efforts are beginning to show results.
While Bravo acknowledges the need to protect kids, he criticized the law for not addressing the availability of flavored vapes through online or out-of-state purchases. Legislators are set to revisit the issue, as a bill to overturn the ban failed amid political pushback. Supporters, including the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jen Plumb, see these measures as pivotal for safeguarding youth health.
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