Agenda - Council - 11/10/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Youth Access to Tobacco Legislation Chapter 227 /H.F. 117 I The St. Patti Pioneer Press, called this "the major lobbying fight of the legislative session, dwarfing even the stadium debate." Because of widespread support from individuals and organizations from all across the state, Minnesota has a new law designed to reduce youth access to tobacco. I I Chapter 227: Legislative Provisions I ic~nsing and Compliance Checks Ail retail tobacco outlets must be {icensed. Licensing fees should be in an amount sufficient to recover the cost of enforcing this chapter. The licensing authority must conduct at least one unannounced compliance check each year. Compliance checks must involve youth aged 15-17 who attempt to purchase tobacco under the direct supervision of a law enforcement official or employee of the licensing authority. The youth must have prior written consent of a parent or guardian to participate in these checks. Administrative Fines, and Pmalties Store owners face administrative fines for the illegal sale of tobacco products to m/nors. Administrative penalties are: $75.00 for the first violation; $200 for the second violation within 24 months; and, $250 with a minimum 7-day license suspension for a third violation within 24. months. Individuals who sell tobacco to a minor must be fined an administrative penalty of $50. Minors caught using a drivers license, permit, or Minnesota ID to buy tobacco face a 90-day license suspension. This license suspension also applies to an adult who is caught lending their drivers license, perm/t, or Minnesota ID to a minor to buy tobacco. The licensing authority, :along with other interested parties, shall develop alternative consequences for youth who purchase, possess, and consume tobacco. Self-Service Tobacco Until such time as the FDA rules take effect: Single packages of tobacco (except cigars) cannot be sold from open, help-yourself displays. Cigarette cartons and multi-packs can be sold from open displays. Vending machines are banned except in facilities that c. annot be entered by minors. Ingredient Disclosure Tobacco manufacturers must report to the commissioner of heath, annually, the presence of five harmful in,erich, tS in tobacco products in both their burned and unburned states: ammonia; arsenic; cadmium; formaldehyde; and, lead. These reports are public data. Local Ordinances A written notice must be mailed to tobacco license holders at least 30 days prior to the adoption or substantial amendment of any local ordinance. This bill does not preempt local ordinances from adopting more restrictive regulations. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I