MINNEAPOLIS — Editor's Note: The above video first aired on April 17.
The cost of a pack of smokes in Minneapolis is going up.
The Minneapolis City Council passed an amendment on Thursday which will, among other changes, increase the minimum price of a pack of cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products to $15.
“These changes will protect youth and communities (of) color from tobacco industry targeting,” said Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, the councilwoman from Ward 4 who authored the amendment.
The city argues that increasing the cost of cigarettes and other tobacco products will lead to a decline in their use.
"The tobacco industry uses price discounts and coupons to keep prices low, and target youth and individuals living in low-income communities and communities of color. Low prices are associated with increased initiation of tobacco products and make it harder for people to quit using them," according to a statement from the city.
The additional money consumers will pay won't be going to the government, according to a presentation from the city the additional revenue will benefit the retailers and stores that sell the tobacco products.
Mohammed Hassan, who both manages the Uptown Tobacco & E-Cigs store on Lake Street and smokes himself, said the price hike will affect business, while not affecting personal or public health, when he talked to KARE 11 on April 17.
“People are still going to buy their cigarettes so it's not going to help them to quit smoking,” he said, adding: “It's going to drive people away I don't see any good in doing that.”
In addition to the $15 minimum price and ending discounts, the amendment also increases penalties for stores found to violate the city's tobacco policies.
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