The Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance on April 25 that would allow the city to sell cigarettes at one of the highest price points in the country. The council unanimously approved the amendment with the ordinance authored by Councilmember LaTrisha Vetaw.
It imposes a $15 minimum price—before tax—for a pack of cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products, such as a four-pack of cigars and chewing tobacco. It also ends price discounts and coupons, increases the financial penalties for licensees who violate city policy, and ends the sampling “loophole” for any new commercial tobacco products shop.
“These changes will protect youth and communities of color from tobacco industry targeting,” Vetaw said. “Tobacco is still the leading cause of death, and I am proud that our city is taking this important public health step.”
The ordinance will now go to Mayor Jacob Frey’s desk for approval. He has supported the proposal since its introduction and is expected to sign off.
The original amendment included the ban on indoor smoking for all cigar shops, hookah lounges, and other businesses that currently allow it. However, Anthony’s Pipe & Cigar Lounge in the Uptown neighborhood will be “grandfathered” and continue allowing customers to light up inside the lounge. Councilmember Aisha Chughtai proposed the “grandfather” amendment.
Otherwise, the new law will restrict sampling of any tobacco for more than 15 minutes in a “single visit” when the ordinance officially goes into effect on Dec. 1. The rule change will mean any patron of Anthony’s will be allowed to smoke just one cigar per visit.
Outdoor smoking will not be impacted and will still be allowed through the ordinance. Vape and e-cigarette prices will also remain unchanged.
Public health specialist Evalyn Carbrey said at a previous city council committee meeting that raising the price will deter people from smoking, which is the leading cause of preventable death in Minnesota as well as the rest of the country.
Carbrey highlighted that one-third of adult smokers use tobacco coupons or discounts every time they see one. “Low prices on commercial tobacco products are associated with increased initiation in the use of tobacco products and make it harder for people to quit when they want to,” Carbrey said.
She also mentioned studies that show when a 10% increase is made to the price of tobacco products, a decrease of usage is seen across different demographics. For adults, it drops from 3-5%, and 6-7% among youth.
Some argued against the ordinance, saying the price hike would be too much for most people, especially those in lower-income neighborhoods, to afford.
Tommy Wiita writes for Bring Me The News.
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