Minneapolis City Council hikes price of e-cigarettes to 25 minimum

Minneapolis City Council approved a $25 minimum price for e-cigarettes in an effort to address rising youth vaping rates. This ordinance follows previous legislation that set a $15 minimum price for traditional cigarettes, marking the highest mandated price in the country. Council Member Aurin Chowdhury expressed concern about how affordable e-cigarettes have contributed to youth smoking rates, particularly through appealing flavors. Public health specialist Evalyn Carbrey stated that price increases can significantly reduce tobacco use among young people, who are more price-sensitive. The new law also establishes a requirement that tobacco shops maintain a minimum distance of 300 feet from K-12 schools.

This distance requirement aims to reduce youth access to tobacco products. Furthermore, the council closed an exemption that allowed downtown tobacco stores to bypass spacing regulations. Existing shops can renew their licenses without adhering to the new distance limitations.