Fargo-Cass Board of Health Approves Resolution to End Sale of Flavored Nicotine

The Fargo-Cass Board of Health took formal action on February 20, 2026, by passing a resolution targeting the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products in Fargo. The measure will next be sent to the Fargo City Commission for review.

The resolution adopted by the board calls for ending the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products within city limits. In addition, it proposes that retailers be required to obtain a local license in addition to the state license already mandated.

As part of the proposed changes, the resolution sets a cap on the number of retail licenses for tobacco and nicotine sales, reducing the current total from 144 to a maximum of 65. Businesses that already hold licenses would be allowed to continue operating under a grandfather clause.

The board included provisions for ongoing retailer education and regular compliance checks in the resolution. These measures are intended to maintain oversight of tobacco and nicotine sales practices among local businesses.

What the numbers show

• 144 businesses in Fargo currently hold licenses to sell tobacco and nicotine products
• The resolution proposes a new license cap of 65 retailers
• Vaping sensors in high school bathrooms recorded 50 to 70 activations per day

The resolution was reviewed during a special meeting held at Fargo City Hall. During this meeting, a representative from Fargo Public Schools presented data on vaping activity, reporting that sensors in high school bathrooms detected between 50 and 70 activations daily.

According to the board, the resolution will be forwarded to the Fargo City Commission for consideration, which may take place in March 2026. The commission will determine whether to adopt the proposed changes.

The resolution also outlines that educational initiatives for retailers and continued compliance monitoring would be maintained as part of the city's approach to tobacco and nicotine regulation.

Industry reaction

During the board meeting, a business owner stated that a ban on flavored vape products would likely result in the closure of his business. This perspective was presented as part of the public testimony on the proposed resolution.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.