Tobacco Companies Block Proposed Menthol Cigarette Ban in Vermont

Democratic lawmakers and Governor Phil Scott have long expressed support for a federal ban on flavored e-cigarette products. However, in recent weeks, the withdrawal of menthol cigarettes from the market has become a new priority for Vermont Democrats.<\/p>

Senator Ginny Lyons D. Chittenden, chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the bill's primary sponsor, stated that the tobacco industry's “significant retreat” has been focused on the menthol ban. She remarked on menthol products: “What they have been promoting as better than regular cigarettes is no better than regular cigarettes.”<\/p>

In fact, a source familiar with Vermont's tobacco industry lobbying strategy, who requested anonymity to speak freely, pointed out that tobacco companies have been working hard to persuade lawmakers to remove the menthol ban from the bill.<\/p>

In 2019, Vermont lawmakers proposed a 92% wholesale tax on e-cigarette products and other electronic devices, hoping it would generate $1.1 million in revenue for the 2022 fiscal year. All revenue generated would be deposited into the state’s general fund.<\/p>

The “tobacco products tax” will expand the existing definition of “other tobacco products” to include: e-cigarettes, e-cigarette pods, e-liquids, and repair parts.<\/p>

At the same time, many public health experts are concerned that this tax will ultimately increase the number of local smokers. Research continually shows that vaping products are much safer than combustible cigarettes and are the most effective smoking cessation tools to date; therefore, they continuously point out that any tax imposed on products should be related to their risk.<\/p>