A second city in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. area has joined the Tobacco 21 movement this week, as on Wednesday night the Falcon Heights City Council approved a proposal that will raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and tobacco alternative products from 18 to 21-years-old.
Additionally, flavored tobacco will be restricted to retailers that only allows persons 21-years-old and older to enter and which derive at least 90 percent of their revenues from the sale of tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, or electronic delivery devices.
The proposal was passed by a 3-2 vote according to a press release from Minnesotans For a Smoke-Free Generation. It will go into effect in 60 days after publication in the city’s designated newspaper.
Earlier this week, Shoreview passed a similar increase, joining Edina, North Mankato, Bloomington, Plymouth, and St. Louis Park. Minneapolis is scheduled to hold a public hearing on enacting an increase on May 14, while a bill seeking a statewide increase has been introduced into the legislature, though appears unlikely to advance this session.
Falcon Heights is located approximately six miles northeast of Minneapolis. It had a 2016 population estimate of 5,556 residents.