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Minnetrista staff presents draft tobacco ordinance that would bar tobacco shops
Summary
A draft ordinance proposed prohibiting licenses for businesses primarily engaged in selling tobacco products while allowing grocery/convenience/gas retailers to sell tobacco subject to buffer distances and council approval; staff described the draft as the most restrictive ordinance allowed under Minnesota law.
Staff presented a draft tobacco ordinance at the June 15 work session that, according to staff, adopts the most restrictive regulatory approach allowable under Minnesota law.
David Ael, community development director, summarized the draft: it would prohibit licenses for businesses whose primary business is selling tobacco products (effectively banning standalone tobacco shops) while allowing grocery stores, convenience stores or gas stations to sell tobacco only if the council approves and buffer‑distance requirements in the ordinance are met. Ael said the city’s existing grocery store does not sell tobacco and that no gas stations are located in Minnetrista.
Council members asked clarifying questions about how the ordinance treats licensed retailers and whether existing retailers would be grandfathered; staff said the draft reflects the direction to adopt the strictest ordinance permitted by state law and that grocery/convenience retailers could still sell tobacco subject to the buffer provisions in the draft.
Council agreed staff could bring the draft forward and, absent further concerns, place it on the July 20 consent agenda for adoption.
