Because the city recognizes that many persons under the age of 21 years purchase or otherwise obtain, possess, and use tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco related devices, electronic delivery devices, and the sales, possession, and use are violations of both state and federal laws; and because studies, which the city hereby accepts and adopts, have shown that most smokers begin smoking before they have reached the age of 21 years and that those persons who reach the age of 21 years without having started smoking are significantly less likely to begin smoking; and because smoking has been shown to be the cause of several serious health problems which subsequently place a financial burden on all levels of government; this chapter shall be intended to regulate the sale, possession, and use of tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco related devices, and electronic delivery devices for the purpose of enforcing and furthering existing laws, to protect minors against the serious effects associated with the illegal use of tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco related devices, and electronic delivery devices, and to further the official public policy of the state in regard to preventing young people from starting to smoke as stated in M.S. § 144.391, as it may be amended from time to time.
(Ord. passed 1-8-2019)