Minneapolis mulls a moratorium on new tobacco shops
After passing restrictions on where certain tobacco products can be sold and who can buy them, the Minneapolis City Council signaled Friday that it is considering more regulations.
Council member Alondra Cano introduced an ordinance that would place a moratorium on new tobacco shops and licenses. The proposal was introduced without discussion or debate.
However, the city council has already shown it's willing to restrict tobacco sales.
In 2017, the council banned the sale of flavored tobacco products from most retail shops.
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And earlier this year, the council voted to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21.
The moves have been praised by anti-smoking groups. Some merchants have argued that the new restrictions hurt their businesses.
Cano also proposed a measure that would direct city staff to study the impact of tobacco shops and offer other possible ordinance changes.
The proposed moratorium will go in front of the city council's zoning and planning committee.