People who smoke in Minneapolis can pay among the highest cigarette prices within the nation after the Metropolis Council voted unanimously Thursday to impose a minimal retail value of $15 per pack to advertise public well being.
The ordinance not solely units a ground value. It prevents people who smoke and retailers from getting round it by prohibiting value reductions and coupons, which a number of tobacco firms flow into on-line to lure prospects and reinforce model loyalty. The minimal value additionally applies to four-packs of cigars. Distribution of free samples is prohibited.
Shopper costs are anticipated to run even greater after taxes are figured in. Whereas retailers will get to maintain the additional cash paid by people who smoke, the upper costs are anticipated to snuff out not less than a few of their gross sales. E-cigarettes, which have grown in reputation, have been not noted as a result of their costs differ too broadly.
The minimal value shall be efficient as quickly as Mayor Jacob Frey indicators the measure, which he’s anticipated to do throughout the subsequent few days.
Evalyn Carbrey, a senior public well being specialist with town, mentioned at a committee listening to final week that workers analysis signifies that Minneapolis’ minimal would be the highest within the nation. Workers decided that cigarettes sometimes had been promoting in Minneapolis for $11 to $13.50 a pack. The change places Minneapolis forward of New York Metropolis, which set its minimum at $13 in 2018.
“I’m excited that this council is taking this public health crisis seriously because that’s what it is,” mentioned the creator of the ordinance, Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw.
Council President Andrea Jenkins mentioned the worth of cigarettes was one purpose why she give up smoking eight years in the past, and that she hopes the brand new minimal will encourage extra individuals to cease or by no means begin.
“If you travel around the country, New York City — you can’t buy your pack of cigarettes for under $18. Chicago, $17. Some places, Los Angeles, I think they’re up to 20 bucks,” Jenkins mentioned.
Penalties will vary from a $500 positive for a primary violation to license suspensions and revocations for repeat offenders.
“If it helps even one person stop using tobacco, one person use less tobacco, or one person stopped from starting tobacco use, that’s worth it to me,” Council Member Linea Palmisano mentioned. “I know it’s easy for me to sit up here and say that, as a nonsmoker, but it’s the truth. The only way we’re going to break our dependence on tobacco is if we make some really hard changes.”
