Shane Switser: The flavored tobacco ban is a dire threat to small businesses and Vermont’s economy

This commentary is by Shane Switser. He and his wife Emily own Lyndonville Redemption Center.

In the ongoing debate over the proposed ban on flavored tobacco products in Vermont, the focus often centers on public health concerns and the potential impact on state revenue. However, it’s essential to dive deeper into the ramifications for small businesses like Lyndonville Redemption Center and the broader economic landscape of our state.

According to the state’s fiscal analysis , the anticipated revenue loss from such a ban is staggering, estimated at $10 million to $38 million in the first two years alone. With 20% to 40% of tobacco sales projected to be affected, the financial repercussions reverberate far beyond the confines of legislative chambers.

For businesses like ours, which rely heavily on tobacco sales to sustain our operations, the outlook is grim. I am the owner of Lyndonville Redemption Center, where we sell groceries, snacks, deli food, liquor and tobacco.

I estimate that we stand to lose at least 80% of our tobacco business. Why? Because our customers, faced with limited options locally, will simply drive 20 miles down the road to New Hampshire, where flavored tobacco remains available. Along with those tobacco purchases go those customers’ grocery, sandwich and beverage purchases.

Cross-border sales are not just a hypothetical threat. They’re a harsh reality for Vermont businesses, particularly small, family-owned establishments like ours. The analyst’s report underscores this point, highlighting the significant economic consequences that await if S.18 becomes law.

But beyond the immediate financial hit, there’s a more profound question at play: What are we truly accomplishing with this legislation? Smoking rates are at historic lows, and teen e-cigarette use continues to decline. More on that point: We, like all responsible tobacco retailers, adhere strictly to age verification laws, ensuring that tobacco products don’t end up in the hands of minors.

For the adults who choose to purchase tobacco products from us, their patronage is not just a transaction, it’s also a lifeline for our business and a testament to our commitment to serving our community responsibly. Yet, this bill threatens to sever that connection, driving customers across state lines in search of the products they desire.

And while proponents of the ban tout potential long-term benefits in reduced health care costs, such outcomes are uncertain and may take decades to materialize. In the meantime, businesses like Lyndonville Redemption Center face immediate and devastating consequences.

As lawmakers deliberate the fate of S.18, I implore them to consider the human toll behind the numbers on their spreadsheets. The livelihoods of hardworking Vermonters hang in the balance, and the true efficacy of this legislation remains dubious at best.

Let’s work together to find solutions that prioritize public health without sacrificing the economic well-being of our communities. Small businesses are the backbone of Vermont’s economy, and it’s time we started treating them as such.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Shane Switser: The flavored tobacco ban is a dire threat to small businesses and Vermont’s economy .