St. Anthony, Minn. Increases Minimum Age to Purchase Tobacco to 21

St. Anthony, Minn. will become the latest city in Minnesota to increase its minimum tobacco purchasing age to 21.

Earlier this week, the City Council voted unanimously in favor of an ordiancne that will increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco within the city from 18 to 21.

Retailers violating the law will be subject to fines of $200 for the first violation, $500 for a second violation within 24 months and $750 for a third or fourth violations within a 24-month period. In addition, three violations within 24-months will result in the retailer’s licenses being suspended for at least 30 days, four violations within the 24-month time period will result in a revoking of the license.

Anyone under the age of 21 caught trying to purchase tobacco won’t be subject to any fines or criminal charges, though the city could require them to attend tobacco-related education classes or community service.

The ordinance will go into effect upon its final reading, which is expected later this month.

St. Anthony has a population around 10,000.