San Francisco Voters Reject Juul-Sponsored Ballot Measure in Big Win for Kids over Tobacco Industry
Statement of Matthew L. Myers, President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
November 06, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. – San Francisco voters on Tuesday delivered a big win for kids and a resounding defeat of Juul in its hometown by overwhelmingly rejecting the Juul-sponsored ballot measure that would have overturned city laws protecting kids and public health, including the law banning the sale of flavored e-cigarettes. By a roughly 80% to 20% margin, San Francisco voters rejected the Juul-sponsored measure that could have restored the tobacco industry’s ability to target kids with flavored products.
San Francisco’s groundbreaking law once again stands – keeping the tobacco industry from targeting kids with flavored products. The San Francisco vote gives a powerful boost to growing efforts around the country to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products. Juul spent about $12 million in support of the measure before pulling its support in late September amid growing scrutiny over its youth marketing tactics and other harmful practices.
The Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund was proud to join the many organizations and individuals supporting the “Vote NO on Prop C” campaign (see list of supporters at sfkidsvsbigtobacco.com). We especially thank Michael R. Bloomberg for his exceptional leadership in this campaign and the local San Francisco parents, youth, medical professionals and health advocates who volunteered throughout the campaign.