St. Paul likely to reduce tobacco shop licenses, eliminate tobacco vending machines

The St. Paul City Council has proposed officially eliminating something that’s largely fallen by the wayside in the capital city — tobacco vending machines — while also reducing the number of available tobacco shop licenses.

In addition, penalties for underage tobacco sales, sales of single cigarettes or sales of flavored tobacco other than specialty shops would switch to criminal misdemeanors, up from $500-$1,000 fines, license suspensions and revocations.

The proposed ordinance amendment was introduced to the full council for its first official reading on Wednesday.

The ordinance would eliminate tobacco vending machine licenses entirely, though the federal Food and Drug Administration has barred cigarette vending machines since 2010 in establishments open to patrons under the age of 18.

Tobacco shop licenses would be reduced through attrition from 150 to 100, and tobacco product shop licenses for flavored tobacco and electronic delivery devices would drop from 25 to 15. Establishments already holding either tobacco shop or tobacco product shop licenses would still be entitled to have their licenses renewed. The new rules would not be applied to cannabis stores, which are being limited to 26 licenses.

“We’re not revoking anyone’s license,” said Council Member Rebecca Noecker, in a brief phone interview.

A public hearing will be scheduled for Dec. 6.

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