Bloomberg-Backed Campaign Wins as Denver Votes to Ban Flavored Nicotine

Nov.05

Denver voters have upheld the city’s ban on flavored nicotine products—including fruity vapes and menthol cigarettes—with 72% in favor during the Nov. 4 election. The “Yes on 310” campaign, backed by $5 million from Michael Bloomberg, celebrated the result as a major victory for youth health. Opponents, mostly local vape shop owners, warned of economic harm and called the spending imbalance unfair.

Key Points

Result: 72% of voters supported the flavor ban; enforcement expected soon.
Context: The 2024 ordinance survives via Referendum 310; repeal effort defeated.
Funding: Bloomberg donated $5 million—the largest personal contribution in Denver’s municipal history.
Opposition: Vape shop owners cited free choice and small business losses.
National Impact: Denver becomes Colorado’s 14th city with flavored nicotine restrictions.

2Firsts, on November 4，2025,—— Voters have decisively supported maintaining Denver’s ban on flavored nicotine products, including fruity e-cigarettes and menthol tobacco, with 72% approval from more than 113,000 ballots counted.

The referendum, known as Measure 310, confirms the 2024 City Council “flavor ban” will remain in force. A “no” vote would have repealed the law.

“People care about the health of our children and youth,” said Selena Dunham, outreach coordinator for the Yes on 310 campaign, celebrating the result at Denver’s Spangalang Brewery.

The campaign, branded Denver Kids vs. Big Tobacco, received a record-breaking $5 million donation from Michael Bloomberg, the largest single contribution in the city’s electoral history.

Opponents, led by Citizen Power! and vape shop coalition Rocky Mountain Smoke Free Alliance, raised $652,000. Business owner Phil Guerin said his group was “outspent to the point where voters couldn’t get all the information they needed.”

Denver now joins 13 other Colorado municipalities—including Aspen, Boulder, and Breckenridge—that restrict flavored tobacco sales. Across the U.S., nearly 400 cities and six states have implemented similar measures.

Public health advocates hailed the outcome as a pivotal win for youth protection. “This vote sends a message far beyond Colorado,” said Jodi Radke, regional director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Image source: Denverite

References:

[1] Referendum 310 results: Denver’s ban on flavored nicotine survives with strong voter support

[2] Michael Bloomberg

Also Read:

[1] Denver Flavored-Tobacco Ban Spurs Ballot Fight; Former NYC Mayor Donates $1.5 Million to Back Sales Ban

[2] Denver to Hold Referendum on Flavored Tobacco Sales Ban; If Approved, Enforcement Begins in 2026

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