County sets Nov. 18 public hearing on tobacco ordinance; flavored vapes to be limited to tobacco shops

The Sherburne County Board of Commissioners approved language to publish and notice a proposed rewrite of the county's tobacco ordinance and set a public hearing for Nov. 18. The proposed draft reflects a series of compromises the board discussed in a workshop: measuring a 500‑foot proximity restriction from the tobacco shop's public entrance to the school property line, limiting flavored commercial tobacco products to licensed tobacco shops (a restriction commissioners described as intended to reduce youth access), and adopting elevated administrative penalties for violations.

Planning staff (Jen) reviewed the measurement approach and the draft exception language that would grandfather existing, validly licensed tobacco shops and allow a licensed holder to sell the business without losing their exception. Public health staff summarized options on flavor prohibitions and recommended either no change or restricting flavored products to tobacco shops, citing enforcement and legal concerns about treating product types differently. Commissioners settled on the middle path—allowing flavored products only at tobacco shops, noting that tobacco shops have age restrictions that limit youth access.

The board also directed staff to notify current license holders (a required 30‑day notice) and to publish the notice of intent to adopt the amended ordinance before the public hearing. Staff said the Nov. 18 hearing date allows the required notification window and gives licensees time to respond. The motion to publish the draft ordinance and set the public hearing carried by voice vote.