Minneapolis has taken a decisive step in its ongoing effort to curb youth tobacco and e-cigarette use by unanimously approving a city ordinance that raises the minimum price of e-cigarettes to $25 and imposes zoning restrictions on new tobacco shops near schools. The decision reflects growing concern over the rising prevalence of e-cigarette use among youth and the need to align e-cigarette policies with those for traditional tobacco products.
Aiming to Deter Youth from Nicotine Use
Council members Katie Cashman and Aurin Chowdhury, the sponsors of the ordinance, emphasized that the move is aimed at making e-cigarettes less accessible to young people. “We’re taking a step here on the Minneapolis City Council to make it less accessible to young people,” Chowdhury stated, noting that pricing is one of the most effective tools in preventing nicotine initiation among youth.
The policy follows a 2024 change that raised the minimum price of a pack of cigarettes to $15 and banned tobacco retailers from offering samples or coupons. These measures are part of a broader strategy to reduce the appeal and accessibility of tobacco products.
Youth E-Cigarette Use Remains a Concern
According to the 2023 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey, nearly 14% of students reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. Emily Anderson, director of policy for the Association for Non-smokers Minnesota, praised the new pricing and zoning rules, calling them a vital step in protecting young people from the tobacco industry’s aggressive marketing.
“Young people are extremely price sensitive, and when something becomes unaffordable, they’re much less likely to initiate it, get hooked, and continue to use it into adulthood,” Anderson said. She also noted that higher prices can serve as a powerful motivator for current users to quit.
Less Economic Impact on Tobacco Retailers
The move to set a minimum price for e-cigarettes, rather than a tax, is designed to limit the economic burden on tobacco retailers. St. Paul was the first city in the U.S. to implement a minimum price for cigarettes in 2021, and Minneapolis is following a similar model.
Next Steps and Implementation
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s office has announced that the mayor plans to sign the legislation, which will take effect as soon as the bill is signed. The e-cigarette price increase will be implemented immediately upon the mayor’s signature, while the zoning restrictions on new tobacco shops near schools will go into effect on August 1.
Implications and Broader Context
This new policy is part of a national trend in cities across the U.S. to raise prices on tobacco products, particularly e-cigarettes, in an effort to curb youth use and reduce public health risks. By making e-cigarettes more expensive and less accessible, Minneapolis is joining a growing number of municipalities that are using economic and regulatory tools to address the youth vaping epidemic.
As e-cigarette use among minors continues to be a public health issue, local governments are increasingly turning to pricing and zoning policies to protect future generations from the addictive effects of nicotine.
Further Information and Reporting
The impact of this new policy will be closely monitored in the coming months. Additional reporting will follow as public health officials and advocates track the effects of the price increase on e-cigarette use, especially among teenagers and young adults.
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