Because the city recognizes that many persons under the age of 21 years purchase or otherwise obtain, possess and use tobacco, and tobacco-related devices, and the sales, possession and use are violations of both state and federal laws; and 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 smoking 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 shall be intended to regulate the possession and use of tobacco, and tobacco-related devices for the purpose of enforcing and furthering existing laws, to protect minors against the serious effects associated with the illegal use of tobacco, and tobacco-related devices and to further the official public policy of the State of Minnesota in regard to preventing young people from starting to smoke as stated in M.S. § 144.391.
(Ord. 475, passed 5-9-2011; Ord. 571, passed 1-27-2020)