Fargo City Commissioners put vote to ban flavored tobacco and nicotine products on hold

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo Cass Public Health’s effort to enact a ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products has been put on hold.

City commissioners heard a lengthy discussion by public health staff who tried to clear the air saying only flavored tobacco and nicotine products would be banned, and regular non-flavored vapes would remain.

They say the state’s lack of tobacco regulations had contributed to the youth use rate being nearly two and a half times the national average.

Following the presentation, a number of people got up to give their input including a local vape shop owner.

“I have gathered 1,074 signatures in less than five days of Fargo residents who are standing against this ban. Commissioners, your job is to listen to the public. These 1,074 people are telling you what they want. They want you to protect local businesses, not destroy them,” said Zach Johnson, owner of Sports Vape.

“There’s so much wrong with this ordinance that I honestly think we should table it until after the election because it’s too, tumultuous to be voted on,” said Commissioner Michelle Turnberg.

Commissioners voted to table the discussion until after the June election.

They also voted to give a 60-day extension to the Human Rights Commission for a transition plan, while accepting the proposed plan for the Native American Commission.

They along with Fargo Youth and Arts and Culture Commissions are being spun off to cut down on the use of city staff and resources.