San Francisco voters approve ban on flavored tobacco

San Francisco voters on Tuesday approved a controversial ban on flavored tobacco products, which was passed by the board of supervisors last year. 

With all precincts reporting, 68 percent of San Francisco voters backed Measure E, which would ban the sale of flavored cigarettes, vaping products, cigars and smokeless tobacco.

{mosads}The San Francisco city supervisors approved the ordinance last year, but opponents got enough signatures to place the question on the ballot. 

The vote Tuesday puts to rest what has become a long and expensive battle, with tobacco company R.J. Reynolds contributing nearly $12 million against the measure. On the other side, supporters of the measure were funded almost entirely by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who contributed at least $1.8 million.

The ban comes as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) looks into new regulations on flavored tobacco, which some say entices kids to smoke or use tobacco products. 

The FDA has tried to balance that concern with research that shows some flavors can help adult smokers switch to less harmful tobacco products.

New York City, Chicago and Oakland also have restrictions on flavored tobacco.