(A) Because the city recognizes that the sale of tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, and nicotine or lobelia delivery products to persons under the age of 18 violates 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 18 years, and that almost no one starts smoking after age 25; and because national data show that about 95% of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21, and the ages of 18 to 21 are a critical period when many smokers move from experimental smoking to regular, daily use; and because tobacco use 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 intends to regulate the sale of tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, and nicotine or lobelia delivery products for the purpose of enforcing, and furthering, existing laws, to protect youth and young adults against the serious effects associated with use and initiation, 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.
(B) In making this determination, the City Council accepts the findings presented by the County Public Health Department at the May 7, 2019 City Council meeting, and referenced in the county ordinance regulating the possession, sale, and consumption of tobacco and tobacco-related devices and products within the county, adopted March 20, 2019.
(C) This chapter is enacted pursuant to M.S. Chapters 461 and 145A, as they are amended from time to time, allowing for local ordinances to set more restrictive regulations on the provision of tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, and nicotine or lobelia delivery devices.
(D) Pursuant to M.S. § 145A.05, subd. 1 and subd. 9, as it may be amended from time to time, this chapter shall apply to all licenses issued by the city.
(Ord. 287, passed 9-3-2019)