Because the City recognizes that the sale of commercial tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, and nicotine or lobelia delivery products to persons under the age of 21 violates both state and federal laws; and because studies show that youth and young adults are especially susceptible to commercial tobacco product availability, advertising, and price promotions at tobacco retail environments; and because commercial tobacco use has been shown to be the cause of many serious health problems which subsequently place a financial burden on all levels of government; this ordinance is intended to regulate the sale of commercial 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 the use and initiation, and to further the official public policy of the state to prevent young people from starting to smoke, as stated in M.S. § 144.391, as it may be amended from time to time.
(Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1616, passed 10-27-14; Am. Ord. 1667, passed 6-14-21; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11-21)