Because the city recognizes that many persons under the age of 21 years purchase or otherwise obtain, possess and use tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices and nicotine or lobelia delivery products, and such sales, possession and use are violations of both state and federal laws; because studies, which are hereby accepted and adopted, 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 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, possession and use 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 against the serious effects associated with the illegal use of tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices and nicotine or lobelia delivery products and to further the official public policy of the state in regard to preventing young people from starting to smoke and using other tobacco products as stated in M.S. § 144.391, as it may be amended from time to time.
(2009 Code, § 504.02)