Minnesota Enacts New Law to Prevent Youth Access to Tobacco

The new law will take effect August 1 and will apply existing tobacco taxes and regulations to smokeless tobacco products.

May 13, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty signed into law earlier this week the Tobacco Modernization and Compliance Act of 2010 (TMCA), a measure designed to prevent the sale of tobacco products to underage youths.

Effective August 1, 2010, Minnesota??s existing tobacco taxes and regulations will apply to smokeless tobacco products. Additionally, the law:

  • Expands the definition of tobacco products to include any product that contains tobacco and is intended for human consumption.
  • Requires all tobacco products to be sold behind the counter (designed to limit access to youth).
  • Prevents the sale of new tobacco products and e-cigarettes to youth.

"Broad bipartisan support of this law ensures Minnesota will keep pace with the tobacco industry's aggressive marketing and ability to take advantage of legal loopholes," said David Willoughby, Chief Executive Officer of ClearWay Minnesota. "The Governor's signature is an important first step in protecting our kids from new and addictive smokeless tobacco products.

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