FARGO, N.D. – The Fargo Cass Public Health Board of Health has unanimously approved a resolution recommending a flavored tobacco and nicotine ban in the City of Fargo and creating city licenses for retailers selling tobacco.
This will bring the resolution to the Fargo City Commission with a possible first reading of a draft ordinance at its March 16 meeting.
West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis, who’s on the FCPH Board of Health, said he will bring the resolution to his City Commission for consideration as well.
Sports Vape owner Zach Johnson was the only person to speak against the resolution. He said his business has never failed a compliance check and this resolution would effectively shut down his store.
“Youth access overwhelmingly happens through social media sources, older friends, siblings, online sellers that do not verify age properly,” Johnson said.
Abby Lang with FCPH said smoking kills more people than alcohol, AIDS, car crashes, illegal drugs, murders and suicides combined in North Dakota. She presented a Centers For Disease Control Foundation study that shows 2% of 18 to 20-year-olds in the United States buy e-cigarettes online or through social media.
“Youth are unlikely to purchase products online because they want immediate gratification. They’re opportunistic and with their brain development, they won’t wait. They want it right now, so they go and get it,” Lang said.
Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner said students vaping in schools have created a poor learning environment.
“We see increased bathroom misuse, class interruptions and increased disciplinary referrals directly related to vaping. Students miss valuable instructional time and staff must redirect their attention away from teaching and learning towards enforcement and supervision,” Steiner said.
In December 2024, the Clay County Commission banned the sale of all flavored tobacco products in the county except menthol cigarettes and chewing tobacco for retailers outside of Moorhead, Barnesville or Dilworth. Those cities have their own tobacco ordinances and enforce them.
