Because the City recognizes that:
A. 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 is intended to regulate the sale of tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, and nicotine or lobelia delivery devices for the purpose of enforcing and furthering existing laws, and to protect youth and young adults against the serious effects associated with use and initiation.
B. Youth and young people are particularly susceptible to the addictive properties of tobacco products, and are particularly likely to become lifelong users. National data show that about ninety five percent (95%) of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn twenty one (21). The ages of eighteen (18) to twenty one (21) are a critical period when many smokers move from experimental smoking to regular, daily use. Electronic delivery device use among youth has recently tripled. Young minds are particularly susceptible to the addictive properties of nicotine. As a result, approximately three (3) out of four (4) teen smokers end up smoking into adulthood.
C. Public health research and tobacco industry documents and marketing reveal that tobacco companies have used menthol, mint, wintergreen, fruit, candy, and alcohol flavors as a way to target youth and young adults. The presence of flavors in tobacco products can make it more difficult for youth, young adults, and adult tobacco users to quit.
This chapter is intended to regulate the sale of tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, and nicotine or lobelia delivery devices to protect the public, especially youth and young adults, and to further the official public policy of the State in regard to preventing young people from starting to smoke as stated in Minnesota Statutes section 144.391, as it may be amended from time to time. (Ord. 536, 11-20-2018, eff. 3-1-2019)