Billionaire Michael Bloomberg has contributed $2.2 million in recent weeks to bolster Denver’s pro-Referendum 310 campaign, which seeks to preserve the city’s ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products, according to campaign finance reports. Bloomberg has now reportedly provided nearly $5 million of the campaign’s $5.8 million total fundraising, dwarfing opposition efforts by the “Citizen Power!” group, which has raised about $646,000.
The referendum asks voters whether to keep the ordinance banning most flavored tobacco, including menthol cigarettes and vapes, within city limits. Supporters cite youth protection and addiction prevention, while opponents argue the ban harms local retailers, reduces city tax revenue, and limits adult choice.