Stop Rushing a Bottled Water Ban

The Town Council of Vail is considering a ban on bottled water that would hurt small businesses, limit consumer choice and harm our local economy.

Bans like this have failed elsewhere, driving customers to shop outside city limits while doing little to improve the environment. Businesses are already working hard to make Vail the premier mountain resort community in the world while still taking steps to improve the environment, and this additional burden could force them to raise prices even more, cut jobs, or even shut their doors.

Sign this letter to stand with local businesses and our employees. Tell the Town Council to protect families and small business owners before it’s too late!

Dear [Lawmaker],

As local small business owners, we strongly oppose a ban on bottled water in Vail. Small businesses in this community depend in part on beverage sales for their livelihoods, including grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores and restaurants. A ban would place an unfair burden on small businesses like mine, which relies heavily on ski tourism and outdoor recreational activities, causing significant economic harm and jeopardizing good jobs for my employees.
Many of us operate on razor-thin margins, and eliminating the ability to sell bottled water will directly impact our bottom line. A ban on bottled water would prompt many residents to take their business to other parts of Eagle County, hurting our local economy while failing to reduce plastic waste. There is also limited publicly available water or infrastructure for water access throughout Vail, which would need to be resolved quickly if this ban is implemented.
Beyond the impacts to our economy, this ban would have serious impacts on emergency preparedness in Vail. Without stocking bottled water regularly, it would be far more difficult to access it during times of need.
We support effective solutions to reduce plastic waste but believe banning 100% recyclable water bottles will not solve the problem of plastic pollution. Instead of a ban, the Town Council should work with local businesses and industry leaders on sustainable, practical solutions that improve collection and recycling of plastic.
We urge you to listen and reject this proposal. You have an opportunity to consider alternatives that support both our local economy and are effective environmental solutions.
Thank you,

Sincerely,
______

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