Glenwood Springs City Council recently passed new legislation regarding tobacco laws in Glenwood Springs.
Resolution 2019-34
- Establishment of licensing requirements for the retail sale of tobacco products. All tobacco retailers must have a license through the City of Glenwood Springs and pay a $1,000 initial licensing fee to sell tobacco and a $500 annual renewal fee. In effect on January 1, 2020.
Ordinance no. 21, series of 2019.
- Raised the minimum legal sale age of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years of age. In effect September 15, 2019.
- Prohibits the sale of all flavored tobacco products. In effect October 15, 2019.
Ordinance no. 26, series of 2019.
- Permits persons 18 years of age and older to handle tobacco products in the course of employment. In effect September 29, 2019.
Glenwood Springs Ballot Issue 2A
- Voters approved Ballot Issue 2A in the November 5, 2019 regular election which passed a new sales tax of 20₵ per cigarette or $4 per pack of cigarettes, and a new sales tax of 40% on the sale price of all other tobacco products. In effect January 1, 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What products does the flavor ban include?
The flavor ban includes ALL tobacco products that have a flavor other than tobacco itself. Examples of product include, but are not limited to: flavored vaping or e-cigarette products, menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, flavored chewing tobacco, flavored pipe tobacco, etc.
Does the flavor ban include flavored items that do not include tobacco but are sold at a tobacco retail location?
No. Items that do NOT contain tobacco but are flavored can still be sold at tobacco retail locations. An example of a product that can still be sold at tobacco retail locations is flavored hemp wraps. These wraps are often used to roll loose products such as tobacco or marijuana but do not contain tobacco themselves.
Can tobacco retailers employ persons under 21 years of age?
Yes. Tobacco retail locations can hire and retain employees over the age of 18 years old to handle tobacco products.
When does the flavor ban go into effect?
As of October 15, 2019, tobacco retailers can no longer sell flavored tobacco products.
What is the process for a tobacco retailer to acquire a license?
Tobacco retailers who have a current business license with the City of Glenwood Springs
Tobacco retailers who already have a business license must login to their MuniRevs account to pay the new initial licensing fee of $1,000 and then $500 annually for renewal.
Please note: if you do not see the new fee in your account, please contact our finance director, Yvette Gustad, at yvette.gustad@cogs.us or 970-384-6421.
New tobacco retailers who do not have a business license with the City of Glenwood Springs
New businesses must initiate the licensing process by filling out the online application through the MuniRevs business licensing system and check the tobacco box on the application. The link can be found on the www.cogs.us website or directly at glenwoodsprings.munirevs.com.
When does the new tobacco tax go into effect in Glenwood Springs?
Tobacco retailers must begin charging the new sales tax of 20₵ per cigarette or $4 per pack of cigarettes, and a 40% sales tax on the sale price of all other tobacco products starting January 1, 2020.
What is the definition of a cigarette?
Glenwood Springs municipal code defines cigarette as any product that contains tobacco or nicotine and is intended to be burned or heated for use.
What is the definition of a tobacco product?
Glenwood Springs municipal code defines tobacco products as any product that contains tobacco, is made from tobacco, or is used to deliver nicotine or other substances intended for human consumption, whether heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means. This also includes cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, snuff, mints, hand gels, and electronic smoking devices.