ENDED: Voters upheld the flavor ban in a June 2018 Referendum vote.

(Update – 06.22.17)

In a surprise move, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance that will ban the sale of flavored e-liquid and smoke-free tobacco products within the city. Although this move could be dismissed as expediting the process, it doesn’t make this ordinance any less reckless and dangerous. The Board will vote one more time, next week, to make the decision final.

But the Board’s decision doesn’t mean we have to quietly take their abuse. On the contrary, we must voice our opposition and do it loudly!

What happened in San Francisco is just the start of a shortsighted policy movement that will restrict our access to low-risk tobacco and nicotine products. Anti-vaping activists in New Jersey and New York City will use San Francisco’s decision as support for their own proposals. And we should all be aware that proposals to ban or limit flavors are being discussed in Washington, DC.

This is not just about San Francisco. The Board of Supervisors’ decision has NATIONAL consequences.

If smoke-free products that come in flavors other than tobacco have helped you significantly reduce or quit smoking, please take action NOW! (This is not limited to residents of San Francisco).

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(Update – 05.20.17)

CASAA has received word that the flavor ban ordinance will be on the calendar for

Wednesday, June 14th, 2017

10:30 AM

For the May 24th meeting, this ordinance (170441) is on the agenda under the “30-day rule” section. This means that the legislation will not be considered and no action will be taken at this meeting.

That being the case, NOW is the time to prepare your remarks AND make contact with members of the public safety committee.

(Please see below for important things you can do to prepare for the hearing on the 14th.)

Take Action – Send a Message!

(Original Post – 05.18.17)

San Francisco Supervisor, Malia Cohen is introducing an ordinance that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco and vapor products. The first opportunity for this ordinance to be heard in committee will be on

Wednesday, May 24th, 2017

10:30 AM

Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee

We need to stress that this is not a confirmed hearing and we will provide an update with any change. At this time, Supervisor Cohen’s flavor ban is not on a posted agenda.

In advance of a hearing, NOW is the time to reach out to city supervisors and urge them to oppose this ordinance.

Take Action – Send a Message!

In advance of any hearing, please take this time to prepare your remarks to the committee.

Plan to speak for 3 minutes or less & Practice your presentation.

State how long you were a smoker, how long you’ve been smoke-free, and how vapor products helped you.

How important are e-liquid flavors to you remaining smoke-free? Did flavored products help you lose your taste for smoking? Did the variety of flavored e-liquid inspire you to give vaping a try?

What would you do if flavored e-liquid was no longer available? Would you make your own? Would you purchase outside of the city/state? Would you feel pressured to return to smoking?

Review the Meeting Info Guide here .

**IMPORTANT**

San Francisco is one of several municipalities in California that are considering prohibiting the sale of flavored vapor products. This is a policy movement and it is a very real threat. We know that proponents of these bans are well funded and have the support of respected organizations. That said, there is no reason to think that “it can’t happen here.”