While it sounds at first like a nice idea, prohibiting the sale of #flavoredcigarette and other tobacco products in the city of Phoenix may simply cause irreversible economic harm rather than mitigating the problem at hand. 

Based on available data, the proposal of prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products may have meager results in reducing usage of tobacco products amongst youth. According to experts at Heartland Institute, these measures may not result in a significant decrease in youth cigarette use, especially if we reference the impact of similar measures taken in cities that have already implemented them. Examples include California and Santa Clara County, which banned flavored tobacco products to age-restricted stores in 2014. Despite this, there was a surge in e-cigarette use among youths thereafter. In a survey that was conducted from 2015 to 2016 by California Youth Tobacco Survey (CYTS), e-cigarette usage among Santa Clara high school students was at 7.5%. This increased to 10.7% according to the 2017 to 2018 CYTS, even though a ban was then in place. 

As we join hands in addressing the use of nicotine products among youths, it’s important to consider the impact these measures will have on both sides. If the City Council insists on implementing the ban, it will automatically devastate local tobacco traders and shop owners at a time when Phoenix citizens and small business owners are already struggling to recover from recent economic downturns. Instead, the city council should be taking steps to caution traders before they start imposing additional regulations on businesses.

Additionally, a flavor ban may give rise to black markets where young people will still be able to find what they’re looking for. The increase in black market activities is especially concerning because these products are unregulated. With that in mind, the Mayor as well as Phoenix City Council members need to rethink their prohibition plans and consider pursuing an increase in funding to programs that address the use of tobacco amongst youth, alongside education and prevention campaigns.

Flavored tobacco products have helped millions of adults transition from combustible cigarettes to tobacco harm-reduction products. A total ban on flavored cigarettes may see these millions of reformed smokers revert to combustible cigarettes. Flavored tobacco has lowered tobacco usage among youths as well as adults. If these proposals are implemented, they could possibly drive youths back towards smoking cigarettes or possibly other deadly substances. In summary, instead of banning trade on flavored tobacco products, the City Council should consider alternative measures on combating tobacco usage.