Because the city recognized that many persons under the age of 18 years purchase or otherwise obtain, possess and use tobacco, tobacco products and tobacco-related devices, and the sales, possession and use are violations of both state and federal laws; 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 sale, possession and use of tobacco, tobacco products 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, tobacco products and tobacco-related devices, and to further the official public policy of the state in regard to preventing young people from starting to smoke, as stated in M.S. § 144.391, as it may be amended from time to time.
(Prior Code, § 900.01)