In a significant move to address youth tobacco use, Rice County, Minnesota, has enacted an ordinance banning the sale of flavored tobacco products, including vapes and menthol cigarettes, in unincorporated areas and the city of Nerstrand. Approved unanimously by the Rice County Board of Commissioners, the ordinance is set to take effect in July 2025 and applies to five current retailers.
Key provisions of the ordinance include:
- A ban on flavored tobacco sales, in-store sampling, and tobacco delivery or vending machines.
- Increased licensing fees for tobacco retailers, rising from $150 to $400 annually.
- Stricter penalties for violations, including fines, mandatory employee training, and potential license revocation.
Following the testimony, educators, public health advocates, and even local students in Rice County are stepping forward with the dangers of flavored tobacco products and their appeal to youth. Local high school students and organizations, such as RAVE (Reduction and Awareness of Vaping and E-cigarette Use), emphasized the urgency of addressing the rise in youth vaping.
Although the ordinance does not apply within larger municipalities like Northfield and Faribault, commissioners are encouraging these cities to adopt similar measures to expand the impact. Advocates hope this ordinance will serve as a model for other communities, including at the state and federal levels.
To learn more about the ordinance and its potential impact, visit the original article on NewsBreak.
