Sports Vape in Fargo, ND
FARGO (KFGO-KVRR) – A local business owner is circulating a petition in opposition to the Fargo-Cass Public Health’s recommendation to ban flavored tobacco and vape products for minors in the City of Fargo.
Owner of Sports Vape, Zach Johnson, says he understands the motivation behind the proposed ban, but believes it will bring unintended consequences.
“Moorhead did it, businesses shut down, they moved to Fargo. It doesn’t prevent anything, it just shuts down and kills businesses,” Johnson said.
On Friday, the Fargo-Cass Public Health Board held a special meeting on the proposed ban and the resolution passed unanimously. It now goes to the Fargo City Commission for consideration.
Johnson is urging people in Fargo to sign his petition and make their voices heard regarding governmental overreach.
“Liking flavors doesn’t stop at 18, adults like flavors. We shouldn’t be taking away our rights and our freedoms under the guise of protecting the youth,” said Johnson.
Critics of flavored vape products say minors specifically are drawn to the flavors. At the meeting on Feb. 20, several people in favor of the proposed ban say vaping has become an issue in local schools, increasing class disruptions and negatively affecting student performance.
Sports Vape in Fargo, ND
Johnson says the ban will shut down local businesses and deprive the city of tax revenue at a time when it’s sorely needed.
“There’s roughly about $65 million dollars of tobacco sales in the City of Fargo itself. That equates to $5 million a year in tax revenue. I think we’d be a little foolish as a city, being $1.3 billion in debt, to cut tax revenue,” he said.
Johnson says he is willing to work with city and Public Health leaders help figure out another solution, but a city-wide ban just isn’t it.
The city of Moorhead instituted a similar ban last year, and West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis said he plans to bring this resolution to the West Fargo City Commission for consideration as well.
Fargo Cass Public Health proposes new tobacco and nicotine ordinance
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