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

Cambodia MoT warns: Businesses using vaping and shisha will have their operating licences revoked

Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism has issued a new directive prohibiting all tourism service establishments from possessing, selling, importing, storing, or advertising e-cigarettes and shisha-related products. Violators will face written warnings, suspension of operations, or even revocation of their tourism business licenses. The measure is part of a nationwide ban enacted under Sub-Decree No. 02 BB, issued by the Royal Government on October 21.

Nov.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Virginia Seeks to Dismiss E-Cigarette Ban Challenge, Citing Lack of Legal Standing

The Virginia Attorney General and tax commissioner have urged a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on unapproved e-cigarettes, arguing that the companies behind the suit lack legal standing since their products are federally illegal. The state contends the plaintiffs, Novo Distro Inc. and Tobacco Hut and Vape Fairfax Inc., have no lawful right to sell unapproved vapes and cannot show irreparable harm.

Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Feature | Vape Politics in Russia: Local Governments Push Forward Despite Legislative Deadlock

As Russia’s federal vape policy stalls, regional governors are racing to implement local bans—now with the backing of President Vladimir Putin. The divide between swift local action and delayed national legislation is fueling debate over health, regulation, and the country’s broader approach to nicotine control.

Oct.28

Over 179,000 E-Cigarettes Destroyed in Samut Prakan as Thai Government Tightens Enforcement

Thailand’s Office of the Prime Minister, led by Minister Santi Piyatat, has destroyed nearly 179,000 confiscated e-cigarettes and accessories worth 33 million baht (approx. USD 1,020,000) as part of the government’s ongoing campaign for a “Vape-Free Thai Society.”Officials said the action demonstrates Thailand’s strict enforcement of anti-vaping laws and its commitment to protecting youth and public health.