Fur Ban Before Denver Voters

This November, Denver voters will decide on a ballot measure to restrict fur products in the city. While such products as fur coats and hats are familiar to the public, the measure would expose a wide range of businesses to bans on the sale of their products if passed. The measure states it will “prohibit the manufacture, distribution, display, sale, or trade of certain animal fur products in the City of Denver" starting in July of 2025.[i] Though the website of the ballot proponents indicates there are just seven retail stores that sell fur products, the types of businesses and industries impacted would be more far reaching.[ii]

• Denver Consumers – Purchasing of any fur product with a Denver address would be banned under this measure. The measure states that the sale would be deemed unlawful if “the buyer takes physical possession of the fur product in Denver.”  This implies the purchase of products online as well as from Denver stores.  
• Fly-Fishing Industry - The fishing industry generates over $2.4 billion in economic output across Colorado and supports more than 17,000 jobs each year. Of this, over $500 million in output and 3,300 jobs are concentrated in the metro area.[iii] Fly fishing, a significant contributor to this industry, relies heavily on the sale of flies made with fur or feathers, which would be affected by the proposed ballot measure.[iv]
•  Western Attire – Cowboy hats and fur-lined boots often use authentic animal fur. The measure goes on to state a number of items that would be impacted including: coats, jackets, handbags, wallets, shoes, scarves, gloves, and home accessories such as rugs and wall hangings.
•  National Western Stock Show - The National Western Stock Show, held annually in Denver attracted over 700,000 attendees and supported over $170 million in economic output in 2023. Many vendors sell items which would no longer be permitted should the initiative pass.

Bottom Line

The full impact will depend on the degree to which the measure is enforced, though it would expose a wide range of businesses to be impacted. A similar initiative led by advocates passed in Boulder in 2021, yet no citations have been issued for violating the new ordinance. Though currently just before Denver voters, the campaign has made clear their intentions to pursue this policy in other jurisdictions as well as stated on their website, “Denver would also be setting a precedent, making the passing of similar fur legislation or ballot initiatives more feasible in the future.”

If this measure were to pass, prohibition of these goods would hurt local businesses and could increase the price of these goods elsewhere in the state in addition to hampering the industry.