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January 14, 2025 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 3 <br />Ms. Anderson concluded the proposed changes to St. Anthony Village’s tobacco ordinance represent a <br />comprehensive approach to reducing the availability and appeal of commercial tobacco products in the <br />community. By capping the number of licenses at zero through attrition, restricting coupon and price <br />promotions, setting minimum prices and package sizes, and aligning and increasing penalties beyond <br />state minimums, the City is taking steps to protect public health, particularly among youth. These <br />evidence-based strategies, supported by research and model policies will help reduce commercial <br />tobacco use, prevent initiation, and promote a healthier community for all residents. <br />Also provided for Council consideration were draft ordinance, 15 dollar minimum price factsheet and 15 <br />dollar minimum price talking points documents. <br />Councilmember Jenson asked about neighboring communities penalty structure and Ms. Anderson <br />explained. Councilmember Jenson asked Mr. Yunker about previous violations. Mr. Yunker stated <br />violations are not common with the vendors in the City. Mayor Webster stated St. Anthony would allow <br />with the State minimum fines. <br />Councilmember Randle asked what the overall objective is and Ms. Anderson stated to eliminate <br />commercial tobacco use, saving lives, and saving money. He asked who gives anyone the right to dictate <br />what adults can and cannot do. Ms. Anderson stated it is an equity issue as the tobacco industry targets <br />youth and minorities. <br />Councilmember Jenson suggested Council review the redlined ordinance in detail. He asked who does <br />the conformance checks. Ms. Anderson stated ANSRMN does along with the police department. Ms. <br />Anderson stated the City of Minneapolis passed an ordinance selling a pack of cigarettes for $15. The <br />retailer retains all the profit. Mr. Yunker stated this is still in draft form. A public hearing will need to be <br />held with notice to all retailers of the proposed changes. <br />Councilmember Doolan asked about the youth for the conformance checks. Ms. Anderson stated the <br />youth needs to be between 17-20 and all youth utilized are trained by ANSRMN. Councilmember Doolan <br />asked if legal review is part of the process and Ms. Anderson stated it was written by lawyers that work <br />with public health. Councilmember Doolan asked if cessation programs will be available, and Ms. <br />Anderson stated there are programs available through Ramsey County Public Health. <br />Councilmember Jenson requested Council go through the verbiage in the redlined ordinance. Mayor <br />Webster asked if the ordinance would need to be changed each time a license is lost. City Staff would be <br />responsible for tracking the number of current licenses. Council reviewed the sections of the ordinance <br />that were redlined. By having a price minimum we are more likely to keep it out of the hands of youth as <br />they are more price sensitive. <br />Councilmember Doolan asked if this is an annual license that vendors need to renew and Mr. Yunker <br />stated it would need to be renewed annually. <br />Mayor Webster referred to the Administrative Penalties and noted the City could recover some of their <br />costs if a retailer were to contest the violation. <br />Councilmember Jenson asked who would become the hearing officer and Ms. Anderson stated it would <br />be the Police Chief with Council input if necessary. There was a discussion about the use of a fake ID for <br />purchasing product and how that person is addressed.