The Columbus City Council makes the following Findings in support of this section intended to regulate the sale, possession, and use of tobacco and related devices and products and to protect young people against the serious effects associated with the use of tobacco. The City Council recognizes that the sale of 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. Studies which the City hereby accepts and adopts, have shown that 90% of people who smoke begin smoking before they have reached the age of 18 years, and that almost no one starts smoking after 25. There is evidence to suggest that enforcement of possession, use, or purchase (PUP) laws against youth detract from the enforcement of penalties against retailers. This section is intended 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 minors 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 staring to smoke as stated in Minn. Stat. § 144.391, as it may be amended from time to time.
[CHAPTER 4, ARTICLE IX, Section 4-900,added by Ord. No .22-06, effective August 4, 2022.]