Could a vaping ban work in Utah? | Opinion
Utah should consider a generational ban on tobacco and vaping to protect youth from nicotine addiction.Summary
Rachael, a public health researcher and Brigham Young University graduate, argues that Utah should follow the U.K.'s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which phases out tobacco sales for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009. While Utah already has the lowest smoking rate in the nation, youth vaping has surged, with 7.4% of Utah teens vaping regularly. Gov. Spencer Cox's flavored vaping product ban has not been enough, and vaping manufacturers conceal the true financial impact by reporting under "nicotine products." The author contends that personal freedom arguments for vaping are limited because secondhand smoke and vaping harm others, similar to seat belt laws. She also addresses fairness concerns about generational bans, noting that reducing access to addictive products is fairness, not punishment. The article concludes that a generational ban is a tangible, low-hanging fruit that Utah should implement now to protect future generations from nicotine addiction and ensure corporate profits do not outweigh children's health.
(Source：Salt Lake City Deseret News)
