San Francisco voters will soon decide whether to prohibit the retail sale of flavored tobacco products. If approved on June 5, Proposition E would amend the city’s health code to outlaw flavored vaping liquids, menthol cigarettes and other products. Stores that violate the ban would have their tobacco sales permits suspended. Supporters of Proposition E say it will help prevent tobacco from getting into the hands of teens. But opponents say the measure will hurt small businesses and unfairly restrict consumer choice. We take up the debate.
Related:
More Information on Proposition E (SFGov.org)
Guests:
Gregory Conley, president, American Vaping Assocation
John Maa, president, San Francisco-Marin Medical Society; chief of general surgery, Marine General Hospital
Derek Smith, health educator with Tobacco Free Project, San Francisco Department of Public Health
Miriam Zouzounis, owner, Ted’s Market and Delicatessen; member San Francisco Small Business Commission and American Grocers Association