Minneapolis smokers to pay some of the highest cigarette prices in US with a $15 per-pack minimum
MINNEAPOLIS– Smokers in Minneapolis will pay some of the highest cigarette prices in the country after the City Council voted unanimously Thursday to impose a minimum retail price of $15 per pack to promote public health.
The regulation does not just set a floor price. It prevents smokers and retailers from getting around it by banning price discounts and coupons, which several tobacco companies distribute online to lure customers and strengthen brand loyalty. The minimum price also applies to four packs of cigars. Distribution of free samples is prohibited.
Consumer prices are expected to rise even higher after the taxes are implemented. While retailers get to keep the extra money smokers pay, the higher prices are expected to take away at least some of their sales. E-cigarettes, which have grown in popularity, were left out because their prices vary too widely.
The minimum price will take effect once Mayor Jacob Frey signs the measure, which is expected to happen within days.
Evalyn Carbrey, a senior public health specialist with the city, said at a committee hearing last week that staff research shows Minneapolis’ minimum will be the highest in the country. Staff found that cigarettes typically sold for $11 to $13.50 per pack in Minneapolis. The change puts Minneapolis ahead of New York City, which set the minimum at $13 in 2018.
“I’m glad this council is taking this public health crisis seriously because it is,” said the ordinance’s author, Councilmember LaTrisha Vetaw.
Council President Andrea Jenkins said the price of cigarettes was one of the reasons she quit smoking eight years ago, and she hopes the new minimum will encourage more people to quit or never start.
“If you travel across the country, New York City, you can’t buy your pack of cigarettes for less than $18. Chicago, $17. In some places, Los Angeles, I think they’re as high as $20,” Jenkins said.
Penalties will range from a $500 fine for a first offense to license suspensions and revocations for repeat offenders.
“If it helps even one person to stop using tobacco, one person uses tobacco less, or one person stops starting tobacco use, then to me that’s worth it,” said Council Member Linea Palmisano. “I know it’s easy for me to sit here and say that, as a non-smoker, but it’s the truth. The only way we can break our dependency on tobacco is to make some really hard changes.”