The Minneapolis City Council has voted unanimously to impose a minimum retail price of $15 per pack of cigarettes, making it one of the highest prices in the country. The ordinance not only sets a floor price, but also prohibits discounts and coupons to prevent smokers and retailers from circumventing the minimum price. The higher prices are expected to have an impact on sales, although retailers will get to keep the extra money paid by smokers. The minimum price also applies to four-packs of cigars, and free samples are prohibited. E-cigarettes were left out of the ordinance because their prices vary widely.
Once the Mayor signs the measure, the minimum price will go into effect in Minneapolis. The senior public health specialist for the city stated that research shows Minneapolis’ minimum price will be the highest in the country, surpassing New York City’s minimum of $13 set in 2018. Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, who authored the ordinance, emphasized the public health crisis of smoking and expressed excitement that the council is taking it seriously. Council President Andrea Jenkins shared her personal experience of quitting smoking eight years ago due to high cigarette prices and expressed hope that the new minimum will encourage more people to quit or never start smoking.
The council members believe that the new minimum price will have a positive impact on public health by encouraging smokers to quit, smoke less, or prevent non-smokers from starting. Penalties for violating the minimum price will range from a $500 fine for a first offense to license suspensions or revocations for repeat offenders. The council members emphasized the importance of making hard changes to break the dependence on tobacco, even if it only helps one person. Despite some concerns about the impact of the higher prices on retailers, the council remains focused on the public health benefits of the ordinance and the potential for reducing tobacco use in the community.
