The Senate in Montpelier, Vermont, has passed a bill that would prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco and e-liquid products, including menthol. This bill has received support from anti-tobacco organizations, public health officials, and lawmakers who believe that flavored tobacco products contribute to youth smoking. However, the bill has faced opposition from businesses that rely on the sale of flavored tobacco products, who argue that this ban would lead to significant revenue loss and put many people out of work.
The Impact on Small Businesses
Bobby Desseau, the manager of Valley Vape in Essex Junction, Vermont, expressed concern about how this bill would affect his business. According to Desseau, this ban would eliminate 80% of his store’s inventory and put his business at risk of closing down. He emphasized that this shop is small, with only four employees, and losing the juice sales would be devastating to the livelihood of everyone who works there.
Erin Sigrist, the president of Vermont’s Retail and Grocers' Association, also expressed concern about the potential revenue loss that would result from this bill. She cited a joint fiscal report that estimated the state would lose about $4 million in tax revenues. However, Sigrist claims that conversations with store owners indicate that the actual revenue loss would be closer to $20-25 million.
The Public Health Concerns
The Vermont Tobacco Control Network has expressed concern about the impact of flavored tobacco products on public health. The Green Mountain State spends more than $400 million dollars on treating tobacco-related illnesses, translating to a tax burden of over $1,000 per household each year. Rhonda Williams, from the Vermont Tobacco Control Network, said that the biggest impact of this ban would be on young adults. Her organization conducted a survey of college students to see how often young people use these products. The data indicated that 86% of young adults ages 12-25 are using flavored tobacco products. Williams emphasized that flavors are a significant factor in attracting young people to start smoking.
The Hope for Positive Results
Despite concerns about revenue loss, public health officials and anti-tobacco organizations are hopeful that this ban will lead to a reduction in youth smoking. Massachusetts was the first state to put in place a comprehensive ban on flavored tobacco products in 2020. According to Rhonda Williams, in their data, they’re seeing a reduction in youth tobacco use. She believes that Vermont will see similar results and that this ban will help to reduce the number of young people who start smoking.
The Future of the Bill
Although the bill was overwhelmingly passed by Senate lawmakers, there are still concerns about how to replace the lost tax revenue. With over $400 million in new programs already being considered in the legislature, there will be some funds that will need to be raised. Erin Sigrist emphasizes that this will be a big hole that they’ll need to figure out how to fill.
FAQs
1. When will the ban on flavored tobacco and e-liquids take effect?
It is not yet clear when the ban will take effect. The bill has passed the Senate and will need to be passed by the House of Representatives and signed into law by the governor before it can take effect.
2. What is the Vermont Tobacco Control Network?
The Vermont Tobacco Control Network is a program that aims to reduce the burden of tobacco use on Vermont’s health and economy. They provide resources and support for smoking cessation, tobacco prevention, and education initiatives.
3. How much revenue is Vermont expected to lose due to this ban?
A joint fiscal report estimates that the state will lose about $4 million in tax revenues, but conversations with store owners suggest that the actual revenue loss could be closer to $20-25 million.
4. Will this ban apply to all tobacco and e-liquid products?
Yes, this ban applies to all flavored tobacco and e-liquid products, including menthol.
5. Is there any evidence that banning flavored tobacco products reduces youth smoking?
Yes, Massachusetts was the first state to put in place a comprehensive ban on flavored tobacco products in 2020. According to data, they are seeing a reduction in youth tobacco use. The hope is that Vermont will see similar results.