Falcon Heights votes to raise tobacco sales age to 21
(KMSP) - Falcon Heights became the second city in two days and the seventh overall city in Minnesota to raise the tobacco sales age to 21.
The city also voted to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco, including menthol cigarettes, to adult-only tobacco stores.
The measures passed on a 3-2 vote Wednesday night. Mayor Peter Lindstrom cast the deciding vote after talking about how the letters he received in support of the ordinance hit home for him, a press release from the Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota said.
More than 95 percent of current smokers started smoking before they turned 21. Increased youth tobacco use has been attributed to increased use e-cigarettes and cheap, flavored cigars.
The new ordinance will take effect in July.