Department of Pediatrics

OPED: Aurora must take this opportunity to help teens by restricting nicotine sales

Written by Aurora Sentinel | February 19, 2026

“Aurora has the exciting opportunity to pass a local tobacco retail licensure ordinance in 2026. This ordinance could play a crucial role in protecting children from tobacco use by ensuring that retailers comply with laws enforcing the minimum legal sales age, therefore preventing minors from purchasing tobacco products.” By Angela Metcalf [3rd year fellow in pediatric pulmonary medicine] and Amanda Messinger [associate professor of pediatrics], pediatric pulmonologists practicing at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora.