Minneapolis Sets $25 Minimum Price for E-Cigarettes

Minneapolis Vape Price

The Minneapolis City Council has unanimously voted to establish a minimum price of $25 for e-cigarettes, a move aimed at deterring young people from buying these products and helping current users quit. The ordinance also prevents new tobacco shops from opening within 300 feet of K-12 schools.

Council Member Aurin Chowdhury, who championed the measure, spoke from personal experience about the challenges of nicotine addiction that began with e-cigarettes in college. “When the price is so low… you can have someone who is 21 years old just go in and purchase a bunch and like get it into the hands of younger people,” Chowdhury stated. The Minneapolis Health Department supports the price increase, anticipating an effect similar to that seen with traditional cigarettes, where a 10% price hike leads to a 6-7% drop in youth smoking.

The new $25 minimum price will apply to e-cigarette devices, as well as cartridges, tanks, or refill containers, whether they are sold filled or empty. It will not, however, apply to individual components sold separately. The city noted that prior to the ordinance, single disposable e-cigarette prices ranged from $8.99 to $30.00.

The move has faced criticism from some business owners and the National Association of Tobacco Outlets, who argue it will hurt local businesses by driving consumers to neighboring suburbs for cheaper vapes, gasoline, and snacks, while also potentially increasing black market sales. However, public health advocates like Emily Anderson of the Association of Nonsmokers Minnesota praised the ordinance, stating, “We know price helps people quit, too.” The location restrictions for new shops go into effect on August 1st, while the minimum price will be effective once the mayor signs the ordinance and it is published.

Matthew Ma
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