The Minneapolis City Council unanimously voted to impose a minimum retail price of $15 per pack of cigarettes, making it one of the highest in the country. The ordinance prohibits price discounts and coupons in order to prevent smokers and retailers from getting around the minimum price. The minimum price also applies to four-packs of cigars, and the distribution of free samples is prohibited. Consumer prices are expected to increase even further once taxes are factored in, which may result in a decrease in sales for retailers.
E-cigarettes, which have grown in popularity, were not included in the ordinance because their prices vary too widely. The minimum price will be effective as soon as Mayor Jacob Frey signs the measure, which is expected to happen within the next few days. Evalyn Carbrey, a senior public health specialist with the city, stated that Minneapolis’ minimum price will be the highest in the country, as cigarettes typically sold for $11 to $13.50 a pack in the city. This places Minneapolis ahead of cities like New York City, which set its minimum price at $13 in 2018.
Council President Andrea Jenkins, who quit smoking eight years ago, hopes that the new minimum price will encourage more people to quit or never start smoking. She mentioned that the prices of cigarettes in cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles are much higher than the new minimum price in Minneapolis. Penalties for violating the minimum price range from a $500 fine for a first offense to license suspensions and revocations for repeat offenders. Council Member Linea Palmisano expressed that making hard changes, such as increasing the price of cigarettes, is necessary in order to break society’s dependence on tobacco.
Many council members stated that the goal of the minimum price is to combat the public health crisis caused by smoking. Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, the author of the ordinance, emphasized the seriousness of the issue and the importance of taking action. The council members believe that if the policy helps even one person quit smoking, reduce tobacco use, or prevent someone from starting, it will be worth it. The overall consensus among council members is that implementing the minimum price is a necessary step towards promoting public health and reducing smoking rates in Minneapolis.
