Larimer County officials weigh local tobacco retail license to curb youth vaping

Larimer County public‑health officials on April 29 urged the Board of County Commissioners to pursue a local tobacco retail license to reduce youth access to nicotine products and improve enforcement where state oversight falls short.

Tom Gonzales, director of public health and environment for Larimer County, told the board the discussion is part of “policy development and support” and framed youth nicotine use as a public‑health concern. Gonzales said the health department will convene stakeholders and report back to the board with an update in about 90–120 days.

Why it matters: Presenters said Larimer County’s youth vaping and tobacco metrics exceed state and national rates, and retail access remains a major pathway for underage users. “Four out of five youth who tried to buy a cigarette or nicotine product were not refused due to their age,” said Talia Hirsch, the health department’s strategic planning, health equity and partnerships program manager, citing the department’s survey findings. Kimberly Baker, health and all‑policies coordinator, said roughly 53% of stores in…