Minneapolis Council Approves $25 Minimum E-Cigarette Price, Retailer Restrictions

The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved amendments to its tobacco ordinance that raise the minimum price of all e-cigarettes to $25 and prohibit new tobacco retailers from opening within 300 feet of K-12 schools or mainly residential areas. These changes aim to deter youth vaping by making e-cigarettes less affordable and limiting their accessibility near schools. Council members highlighted the rise in youth nicotine addiction driven by cheap, flavored e-cigarettes and emphasized the mental health risks associated with vaping. The ordinance follows a series of previous tobacco control measures in Minneapolis, including banning flavored tobacco products and raising the legal tobacco purchase age to 21. While supporters say the measures will help prevent youth addiction and assist adults in quitting, some local business owners oppose the new restrictions. The ordinance will take effect pending Mayor Jacob Frey's approval.