By Michael Davis

BROOMFIELD, Colo. – Single-store operators Mia and Clay Lambert were recognized by NATO Executive Director Thomas Briant at the 21st Annual Smoker Friendly Tobacco Conference on Friday, August 25, for their advocacy efforts in attempting to defeat a menthol tobacco ban in Minneapolis earlier this month. 

As reported in NACS Daily throughout the city’s consideration of the ordinance, the ban, which goes into effect August 1, 2018, eliminates the ability for convenience and fuel retailers to sell menthol cigarettes as well as other menthol, mint and wintergreen flavored tobacco products, and only allows retailers who restrict access to customers who are 18 or older the ability to sell these products. The ordinance ultimately reduces the number of stores selling menthol, mint and wintergreen flavored tobacco products from more than 400 to less than 30.

“The Lamberts did everything right,” Briant said, referring to the Lamberts’ advocacy efforts to educate the Minneapolis City Council on the ban, as well as engaging their customers, participating in TV interviews, personal lobbying and testifying at council meetings. “Ultimately, we lost,” Briant said, adding that this is the model retailers still must follow to fight these and other bans at the state and local level.

The Lamberts, who operate Metro Petro in Minneapolis, are one of many independent NACS members who understand the importance of grassroots advocacy and getting involved in the legislative and regulatory processes within their community.

For more information on NACS advocacy efforts and how retailers and suppliers can become more engaged, visit convenience.org/advocacy. 

Michael Davis is the NACS vice president of member services. He can be reached at mdavis@convenience.org.