Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Utah E-cigarette Flavor Ban

Dec.31.2024

Federal judge in Utah temporarily blocks flavor e-cigarette restrictions, delaying implementation until court rules on complaints.

According to a report from ABC News on December 30th, a federal judge recently issued a temporary restraining order delaying Utah's implementation of restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes, pending a ruling on complaints against the state and other entities.

Judge David Barlow approved the injunction on December 30, temporarily delaying the enforcement of restrictions that were originally set to take effect on January 1, 2025. This delay is in accordance with Senate Bill 61, the "E-Cigarette Amendment Act," which was passed during the 2024 legislative session and signed by Governor Spencer Cox in March.

Amendment to e-cigarette Act" prohibits the sale of flavored e-cigarette products, as well as the sale of any e-cigarette products not authorized by federal officials.

According to one provision of the injunction, Utah is prohibited from implementing the provisions of S.B. 61 until a ruling on the December 12 litigation. Another provision specifically states that it is not illegal to manufacture, distribute, or sell e-cigarette products that are not authorized by the regulations before the ruling is issued.

The Utah Vapor Business Association and The Smoke House have been named as plaintiffs in a complaint filed on December 12th. The lawsuit involves the state of Utah, Governor Cox, Attorney General Sean Reyes, the Utah Department of Health and Public Service, and other entities in the state.

The lawsuit claims that flavored e-cigarettes are "limited and closely monitored" in supply, as they are only legally sold in retail tobacco specialty stores. The plaintiffs argue that banning the sale of flavored e-cigarettes will lead to people in Utah "inhaling more harmful combustible cigarettes, or being forced to obtain flavored e-cigarettes from out of state or through the black market," in addition, tobacco retailers will lose "the vast majority" of their business.

The plaintiff also argues that the injunction not only conflicts with federal law, but may also violate the constitutional rights of citizens.

References:

[1] Flavored vape restrictions won’t go into effect as scheduled — Here’s why

Also Read:

[1] Controversy Surrounding Proposed Ban on Flavored E-cigarette Sales in Utah

[2] Alarming Rise of Illegal Disposable E-Cigarette Use among Utah's Youth

#North America #United States #Legislation #E-cigarettes #Open system e-cigarettes

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Altria and NJOY Sue ITC, Claim Judge Appointment Process Is Unconstitutional

Altria Group and its NJOY subsidiary have filed a lawsuit in Virginia federal court challenging the U.S. International Trade Commission’s process for appointing administrative law judges. The companies allege the system violates the U.S. Constitution and seek to halt an ITC patent investigation initiated by rival Juul.

Nov.10

Russia’s Perm Region Finalises Law Banning E-Cigarettes from March Next Year

The Governor of Russia’s Perm Region has confirmed that the newly adopted regional law banning vapes will take effect on March 1, 2026, despite lobbying from manufacturers and pressure from the federal level. The law prohibits the sale of all vaping products within the region, with penalties for violators, including fines for kiosks operating in residential areas.

Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Yekaterinburg shuts down illegal e-cigarette oil factory; Russia plans to ban e-cigarette sales

An illegal e-cigarette oil factory was shut down in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The illegal e-cigarette oil was produced under unsanitary conditions, with falsified addresses and production dates on product labels. Some of the employees were hearing-impaired. The Russian government plans a complete ban on e-cigarette sales, which has received support from the president.

Sep.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Russian Lawmaker Sounds Alarm as Teenage Vaping Surges—Female Use Overtakes Male

Russia’s Chair of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy warns that among 11–14-year-olds, girls now vape at higher rates than boys, a trend he calls “deeply concerning.” He says the spread of nicotine products—especially e-cigarettes—among minors poses a public health risk and warrants continued policy-level interventions.