Milwaukee City Council explores hookah regulation amid escalating youth vaping crisis

The Milwaukee Public Safety and Health Committee convened on April 10, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding youth tobacco use, particularly focusing on vaping and hookah regulations. The meeting highlighted alarming trends in underage access to nicotine products and the challenges faced by local authorities in enforcing age restrictions.

The session began with a poignant testimony from a youth representative who shared personal experiences regarding the normalization of vaping among peers. The speaker emphasized that many young people are drawn to vaping due to appealing flavors, unaware of the detrimental effects of nicotine on brain development, memory, and mood. The testimony underscored the importance of programs like Wisconsin Wins, which monitor illegal sales of tobacco products to minors. The data revealed a significant increase in illegal sales from 23 in 2022 to 223 in 2023, indicating a growing accessibility of these products to youth.

Following the testimony, the committee discussed the legal limitations imposed by state law on local regulation of tobacco sales. Assistant City Attorney Travis Gresham explained that while the city aims to raise the legal age for tobacco sales from 18 to 21, such an ordinance would conflict with state law and thus be unenforceable. This regulatory gap has left local authorities unable to penalize retailers who sell to individuals under 21, despite the federal law prohibiting such sales.

Committee members expressed frustration over the inability to effectively protect youth from tobacco products. Alder Burgos raised concerns about the lack of accountability for store clerks who sell to underage customers, while Alder Wesmoreland questioned the frequency of violations that would trigger penalties against licensed establishments. The discussion revealed that current state law allows for limited enforcement, with penalties applicable only after multiple violations within a short timeframe.

The committee also explored the rising popularity of hookah among youth, noting that many establishments do not enforce age restrictions. Alder Zamarripa highlighted the alarming reality that minors could easily access hookah services, prompting calls for stricter regulations. A proposed substitute ordinance aimed at regulating hookah sales was introduced, which would limit access to individuals aged 21 and older. However, the city attorney's office indicated that further legal review would be necessary to ensure the ordinance's enforceability.

As the meeting progressed, members acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach to address the loopholes in current tobacco regulations. Suggestions included redefining smoking to encompass non-tobacco products and exploring avenues to enhance local authority over tobacco licensing. The committee's discussions underscored a collective commitment to safeguarding the health of Milwaukee's youth while navigating the complexities of state and federal laws.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the urgent need for legislative action to close regulatory gaps and protect young people from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products. The committee plans to continue its efforts in collaboration with legal experts to develop enforceable regulations that prioritize public health and safety.