Fargo Board of Health Recommends Flavored Tobacco Ban

Proposed ordinance would create city licenses for tobacco retailers

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Fargo Cass Public Health Board of Health has unanimously approved a resolution recommending a flavored tobacco and nicotine ban in the City of Fargo. The resolution will now go to the Fargo City Commission, with a possible first reading of a draft ordinance at its March 16 meeting. West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis, who's on the FCPH Board of Health, said he will bring the resolution to his City Commission for consideration as well.

Why it matters

The proposed ban aims to curb youth access and use of flavored tobacco and nicotine products, which have been linked to increased smoking rates among young people. The resolution also calls for creating city licenses for retailers selling tobacco, which could help enforce age restrictions.

The details

The FCPH Board of Health's resolution would effectively shut down vape shops like Sports Vape, whose owner Zach Johnson spoke against the measure. Johnson argued that youth access happens more through social media and older friends, not his compliant business. However, FCPH's Abby Lang cited a CDC study showing 2% of 18-20-year-olds buy e-cigarettes online or through social media, noting that youth want 'immediate gratification' and won't wait for online purchases.

  • The FCPH Board of Health unanimously approved the resolution on February 21, 2026.
  • The Fargo City Commission will likely have a first reading of a draft ordinance on March 16, 2026.

The players

Fargo Cass Public Health Board of Health

The local public health board that unanimously approved the resolution recommending a flavored tobacco and nicotine ban.

Zach Johnson

The owner of Sports Vape, a local vape shop that spoke against the proposed ban.

Abby Lang

An official with Fargo Cass Public Health who presented data on youth access to e-cigarettes.

Dr. Cory Steiner

The superintendent of Fargo Public Schools, who said vaping in schools has created a poor learning environment.

Bernie Dardis

The mayor of West Fargo, who is on the FCPH Board of Health and said he will bring the resolution to his city's commission.

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What they’re saying

“Youth access overwhelmingly happens through social media sources, older friends, siblings, online sellers that do not verify age properly.”

— Zach Johnson, Sports Vape owner (am1100theflag.com)

“Youth are unlikely to purchase products online because they want immediate gratification. They're opportunistic and with their brain development, they won't wait. They want it right now, so they go and get it.”

— Abby Lang, Fargo Cass Public Health (am1100theflag.com)

“We see increased bathroom misuse, class interruptions and increased disciplinary referrals directly related to vaping. Students miss valuable instructional time and staff must redirect their attention away from teaching and learning towards enforcement and supervision.”

— Dr. Cory Steiner, Fargo Public Schools Superintendent (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

The Fargo City Commission will likely have a first reading of a draft ordinance to ban flavored tobacco and nicotine products on March 16, 2026.

The takeaway

The proposed ban in Fargo aims to curb youth access and use of flavored tobacco and nicotine products, which have been linked to increased smoking rates among young people. The resolution also calls for creating city licenses for retailers selling tobacco, which could help enforce age restrictions and address the public health concerns raised by school and health officials.