Introduce Ordinance #26-04 Amending Chapter 26 of the City Code

Minnesota State Statute § 461.12, which covers municipal tobacco licenses, had larger revisions in 2020. Due to these revisions, the city staff is recommending updating the city code. Highlights of the recommended changes include updates to definitions, adding additional language about "nicotine or lobelia delivery devices", administrative penalties, compliance check requirements, and increasing the minimum legal sale age from 18 to 21.

Lobelia is a plant whose active compound can produce nicotine-like effects. Minnesota law includes lobelia together with nicotine in definitions covering products and devices that contain or deliver nicotine or lobelia intended for human consumption.

The attached ordinance repeals and replaces Chapter 26, Article XVI of the City Code to reflect changes to the current State Statute, ensuring consistent enforcement, penalties, and compliance.

Posting a copy of the Ordinance on the bulletin board in the lobby of City Hall on the day after the introduction, and maintaining this posting until the day after the adoption.

Introduction date: March 10, 2026
Posting dates: March 10 to March 25, 2026
Adoption date: March 24, 2026
Publication date: March 27, 2026
Effective date: March 27, 2026

This is being handled as part of normal staff duties.

Staff recommends introducing Ordinance #26-04, Amending Chapter 26, Article XVI Tobacco, sections 26-749 to 26-789 of the City Code.

Motion to Introduce Ordinance #26-04, Amending Chapter 26, Article XVI Tobacco, sections 26-749 to 26-789 of the City Code.