Minnesota: Northfield Postpones Vote on Flavored Vape Ban

Northfield Minnesota Flavored Vapes Ban

The Northfield, Minnesota, City Council has voted to table a proposed ordinance that would have banned the sale of flavored vaping products and implemented other strict tobacco regulations. The decision to postpone the vote was made to allow city staff and advocates more time to conduct research and work with local businesses who fear the ban would be devastating.

The proposed ordinance included four main points: a ban on flavored tobacco products, a prohibition on tobacco sales via delivery, a ban on coupons or promotions for tobacco products, and raising the minimum age for a clerk selling these items from 18 to 21.

During the meeting, public health advocates from the Northfield Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (Northfield ASAP) presented statistics on the prevalence of youth vaping, highlighting products they believe are marketed to minors, including a disposable vape with a playable Tetris game. High school student Machaela Gummow shared a story about her school’s “vape bathroom,” illustrating the pervasiveness of the issue. Pat McKone of the American Lung Association also spoke in support, noting she has never seen kids as addicted to nicotine as in recent years.

However, local business owners voiced strong opposition. Julie Ayoub, owner of Posh Puff Tobacco, stated the ban would severely harm her business as most of her products are flavored vapes. She argued that many of her adult customers prefer vapes for their lack of strong smell and social acceptability, and a ban would push them back to smoking cigarettes or to the illegal market. Lynn Ziegler, owner of Ziggy’s, noted she relies on these products to draw customers into her store. Council members expressed concern about the economic impact on these small businesses and questioned the evidence that such a ban would significantly alter youth usage rates, ultimately deciding to postpone the vote for further review and collaboration.

Matthew Ma
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