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Commission allows minors to sell tobacco under existing city ordinance pending state guidance
Summary
After a business owner asked for clarification, the commission voted to allow minors to sell tobacco products under the owner's license in accordance with current Williston ordinance, leaving any stricter age limits to state direction or future ordinance changes.
David Holmen raised a question about whether a 16-year-old employee may sell tobacco at his convenience store. Holmen said he had contacted local police and the state attorney general for guidance but had not received a clear answer.
Chief Lokken and Detective Pete Furuseth told commissioners that the city ordinance allows a minor to sell tobacco under the license of the owner but that the ordinance’s wording does not specify an exact minimum age. Furuseth said enforcement policy could be clarified by the Police Department, but Lokken noted municipal restrictions cannot be more restrictive than state law.
Commissioner Howard Klug moved that minors be allowed to sell tobacco products as long as they follow the city ordinance until directed otherwise by the state; the motion carried 4-0. Commissioners suggested the new statewide Tobacco Commission that the governor established may consider a uniform approach during the upcoming legislative session.
