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Tag: flavor

  • Lucy Goods Settles S.F. Pouch Case for $1M

    Lucy Goods Settles S.F. Pouch Case for $1M

    San Francisco secured a $1 million settlement with online tobacco retailer Lucy Goods, Inc., requiring the company to stop shipping flavored nicotine products into the city, City Attorney David Chiu announced yesterday (January 8). The settlement stems from a 2024 lawsuit alleging that several online retailers violated San Francisco’s comprehensive flavored tobacco ban by selling flavored nicotine pouches directly to city residents.

    Under the stipulated judgment and injunction entered by San Francisco Superior Court this week, Lucy Goods must pay $1 million in civil penalties and attorneys’ fees, prohibit the use of San Francisco addresses in shipping or billing fields, and post clear notices on its website stating that flavored tobacco products cannot be sold in the city. The agreement follows earlier settlements with Rogue Holdings LLC, Swisher International Inc., and Northerner Scandinavia Inc., bringing total penalties from the case to nearly $4 million.

    San Francisco banned all flavored tobacco products in 2019, including nicotine pouches, citing evidence that flavors increase youth appeal and addiction risk.

  • Riot Labs Launches “Supercharged” Line of Flavors

    Riot Labs Launches “Supercharged” Line of Flavors

    Riot Labs launched its “supercharged” Riot X flavor collection for 2025, featuring 12 maximum-intensity flavors that the company says will deliver the “purest, punchiest hit of flavor on the market.” The company says it has a “massive opportunity” to support vapers as June’s impending ban on disposable products in the U.K. nears.

    “Amid increased government regulation on the sector, we must not forget the hundreds of thousands of adult smokers who use vaping, proven to be the most effective quitting tool, as part of their quitting journey,” said Ben Johnson, CEO and Founder of Riot Labs. “In a pivotal year, choice of flavor plays a crucial role in smokers turning to vaping to help them kick the habit and it’s the perfect moment to launch Riot X to help consumers who will inevitably need to move to pods or refillables to maintain their quitting efforts.”

    According to Riot Labs, its team spent years perfecting the blends of each e-liquid to produce “maximum intensity with maximum clarity,” allowing every layer of the flavor to shine through.

    The flavors include: Blackcurrant & Passionfruit, Cherry Ice, Strawberry & Melon Chew, Sour Pineapple Razz, Blueberry & Peach Fizz, Orange & Raspberry Ice, Blueberry Sour Strawberry, Morello Cherry & Banana, Grape & Strawberry, Cola Ice, Sweet Mint and Dark Fruits. Nicotine strengths of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg will be available starting from an RRP of £3.99.  

  • Washington Lawmakers Renew Push to Ban Flavored Tobacco

    Washington Lawmakers Renew Push to Ban Flavored Tobacco

    Washington legislators are reviving efforts to ban flavored tobacco products, citing concerns over youth addiction and the targeted marketing practices of tobacco companies. Advocates, including Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, argue that flavors like menthol and fruit disproportionately appeal to minors, with the CDC reporting that 80% of tobacco-using teens prefer flavored options.

    Supporters say the ban is essential to reducing addiction and protecting public health. “These industries are creating customers for life,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. Advocacy groups like “Flavors Hook Kids” back the proposal, which follows a temporary ban on flavored vape sales enacted in 2019 during a surge in vaping-related lung injuries.

    Small business owners, however, warn of economic fallout. Chris Ward, owner of Torch Vape Shop, says flavored products make up 90% of his sales. “If this ban passes, it will kill my business,” he said, calling the legislation hypocritical compared to leniency on other harmful industries.

    The bill, which has failed in prior sessions, could gain momentum when the legislative session begins on January 13. Lawmakers argue it’s time to prioritize public health over profits, framing the ban as a necessary step to protect Washington’s youth.