The Association for Nonsmokers - Minnesota's mission is to reduce harm from commercial tobacco and other drugs Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota Our Core Commitments: To protect young Minnesotans from a lifetime of addiction; To ensure that all Minnesotans can breathe clean, smoke-free air everywhere; and Reduce health inequities and other disparities in relation to commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drugs. The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota is a membership organization. Become an ANSR member to support our continued efforts. Donate Donate Our experienced staff are dedicated to protecting Minnesotans from the harms of commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drugs. Our Team Our Team Mission ANSR is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial tobacco use in Minnesota. Learn more about our mission here. Mission Live Smoke Free LEARN MORE Prevention Programs LEARN MORE Policy Initiatives LEARN MORE Minnesota History LEARN MORE LATEST NEWS Plymouth City Council ends the sale of flavored tobacco Councilmembers vote to protect youth and join over 30 other Minnesota communities that have limited the sale of flavored tobacco. Plymouth, Minn. (April 29, 2026) – The Plymouth City Council voted to pass sweeping changes to the Plymouth City Code that includes ending the sale of flavored tobacco within city limits. The city council put the health and wellbeing of youth first, recognizing that flavors hook kids and strong local policies are necessary to remove access to highl 6 days ago Increased Store Compliance with Minimum Price and Price Discounting Policies in Minneapolis The Association for Nonsmokers – Minnesota and NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center conducted pre and post store assessments in Minneapolis to assess compliance with changes to the city’s tobacco ordinance in 2024 and 2025. A sample of commercial tobacco retailers were evaluated to measure store compliance with: May 2024 ordinance change (1) setting a minimum price per pack of cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products of $15.00 and (2) disallowing price discounts and Apr 17 Reducing the Burden of Menthol and Flavored Commercial Tobacco Products through Policy Change Grant Commercial tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable illness and death in Minnesota and across the United States. Among commercial tobacco products, menthol and other flavored commercial tobacco items pose a unique risk. These flavors attract young people, making it easier to start using tobacco and harder to quit. To address this, the Association for Nonsmokers - Minnesota (ANSR) has launched a new initiative funded by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Reducing t Feb 25 1 2 3 4 5 Get Involved TODAY! Protecting the next generation from the harms of commercial tobacco starts with community members like you! Sign Up POLICY ISSUES Flavored Tobacco MN Flavor Policy Map Menthol Tobacco Electronic Cigarettes Tobacco Price Discounting Environmental Impact Tobacco-Free Spaces Tobacco 21 RESOURCES MPRC Tobacco 101 Stop Sales To Minors Free Signage Retailer Compliance Project WATCH Smoke-Free Housing Tools for Schools Toolkit

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FLAVORED TOBACCO Nearly all commercial tobacco products come in a variety of candy, fruit, mint and novelty flavors. Flavored products are especially appealing to youth, who are much more likely to use flavored products than adults. Young people think flavored commercial tobacco products taste better and are safer than unflavored products, even though they are just as dangerous and addictive. Download Flavored Tobacco Factsheet Flavored Tobacco Factsheet Citations Oral nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, lozenges, and gums, have surged in popularity in recent years. Among these, nicotine pouches have quickly become the popular option, particularly among youth. 1 These pouches deliver nicotine discreetly, without smoke, spit or odor, making them an attractive choice for many users. Oral Nicotine Factsheet Oral Nicotine Factsheet Citations Flavored Tobacco at the Federal Level Due to the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 , retailers can no longer sell cigarettes containing flavors other than menthol in the United States. However, other commercial tobacco products such as cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes/vapes, blunt wraps and shisha are still available in flavors such as bubble gum, mint, strawberry, grape and mango. These products help the tobacco industry get around the FDA’s 2009 ban of flavored cigarettes and attract more youth to their products. Most young people who use commercial tobacco products report using products that are flavored. The flavored e-cigarette market has changed dramatically in recent years. While brands such as JUUL dominated the market and ignited the youth use epidemic, JUUL and other similar brands have lost market share while under extreme scrutiny from the FDA. A 2020 nationwide ban of flavored “pods” marked the end of JUUL’s reign. Today the market is overrun with thousands of “disposable” vapes in myriad flavors with increasing amounts of nicotine. Brands like ElfBar (now EBCreates) and Loon are among the most popular brands among youth. They come in flavors like “Hawaii Punch,” “Blue Razz” and “Strawberry Lemonade”, underscoring the industry’s efforts to appeal to young people. While thousands of brands, varieties and flavors are available for sale in the United States, almost all flavored e-cigarettes on the U.S. market lack FDA authorization. Until 2024, no flavored e-cigarette device had received an FDA marketing order and only 23 unflavored (tobacco-flavored) vapes received approval. Unfortunately, in June 2024, the FDA approved four menthol e-cigarette products, including two pods and two “disposable” devices made by NJOY, a subsidiary of the tobacco giant Altria, the makers of Marlboro. Menthol Ban Fact Sheet This decision comes on the heels of several delays to the 2021 FDA proposal to ban menthol in cigarettes and all flavored cigars. A federal menthol ban would address public health disparities in commercial tobacco use created by the aggressive marketing of menthol products to African Americans, Indigenous communities, LGBTQ+ people and youth. The rule remains in limbo, and it is unclear when the FDA will complete its rulemaking process and issue its final rule. In the meantime, local leaders continue to work on local and statewide policies that end the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol. Policy Momentum in Minnesota State and local governments can adopt laws that restrict or prohibit the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products within their jurisdiction. Limiting the sale of products, setting minimum prices or creating a minimum pack size are some of the ways communities can protect their youth by making flavored commercial tobacco products less accessible and less appealing. In 2015 and 2016, Minneapolis and Saint Paul became the first cities in Minnesota to restrict fruit- and candy-flavored commercial tobacco products to adult-only stores and set a minimum price for cheap, flavored cigars. Minneapolis' ordinance passed on July 10, 2015, and Saint Paul's passed on January 6, 2016. A majority of Saint Paul residents supported the ordinance . In 2017, with support from the Minnesota Menthol Coalition, Minneapolis and Saint Paul added menthol to their flavored commercial tobacco restrictions. Fruit-, candy- and menthol-flavored tobacco products can only be sold in adult-only tobacco stores and liquor stores in the two cities. Since then, many other Minnesota cities have restricted or fully banned the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products. See below for an up-to-date map of flavored commercial tobacco restrictions and prohibitions in MN. The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners issued a resolution supporting restricting flavored commercial tobacco sales in Ramsey County in 2017. In partnership with Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health, ANSR evaluated flavor policies in Ramsey County cities in 2023 and found that flavor policies reduce youth access . ANSR is proud to be a member of the Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation (MSFG) coalition. One of the coalition's main policy priorities is to prohibit the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol, at the state level. The bills to end the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products in Minnesota (SF2123/HF2177) have made significant progress in the State Legislature in recent sessions. Visit the MSFG website to learn more about the coalition's statewide flavor policy work and access additional resources. Minnesota Flavor Policy Map As of April 2026, 14 Minnesota municipalities have prohibited the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol. 28 Minnesota cities have restricted or prohibited the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products in some manner. 8 Minnesota counties have restricted or prohibited the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products in some manner. 31.8% of Minnesotans are covered by a flavored tobacco policy *Click on the map to download as a PDF. 3 Facts to Know About Flavored Tobacco 1. The tobacco industry targets youth with flavored products to encourage addiction. Almost 90% of adults who smoke started smoking as teenagers. Candy- and fruit-flavored commercial tobacco products mask the harsh taste of tobacco and are shown to be attractive to youth. Many of these products are hard to distinguish from candy, gum and breath mints. As one industry official said in internal industry documents, “Flavored products would have appeal in the under-35 age group, especially in the 12-24 group.” 2. Flavored products may not taste like tobacco, but they are just as addictive and dangerous as other commercial tobacco products. Research shows that youth believe flavored commercial tobacco products are less dangerous and less addictive than unflavored tobacco. Commercial tobacco products contain nicotine, a highly-addictive substance known to be detrimental to adolescent brain development. Cigar smoke contains the same toxins as cigarette smoke. Smokeless tobacco causes oral, esophageal and pancreatic cancers. 3. An increasing number of young people are using flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol. From 2000 to 2014, menthol cigarette use by Minnesota high school students increased from 20% to 44%. By comparison, only 25% of Minnesota adults who smoke use menthol. A recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) survey found that nearly 13% of Minnesota kids use e-cigarettes, which come in kid-friendly flavors like gummy bear and cotton candy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42% of students who smoke use flavored products. Once kids start using one commercial tobacco product, they are more likely to experiment with others.

Councilmembers vote to protect youth and join over 30 other Minnesota communities that have limited the sale of flavored tobacco. Plymouth, Minn. (April 29, 2026) – The Plymouth City Council voted to pass sweeping changes to the Plymouth City Code that includes ending the sale of flavored tobacco within city limits. The city council put the health and wellbeing of youth first, recognizing that flavors hook kids and strong local policies are necessary to remove access to highly addictive substances like tobacco and nicotine. Plymouth joins over 30 other Minnesota communities that have restricted the sale of flavored tobacco, and 30.4% of Minnesotans already live in communities that have taken action to pass policies that limit the sale of flavored tobacco. The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota and local advocates applaud the Plymouth City Council for their support and protection of Plymouth youth. “As a business owner myself, I know what it’s like to have regulations change, and I understand this has an impact. As a policymaker, I have to look at the impact as an entire population, as an entire city,” said Plymouth councilmember Joel Spoonheim during the city council meeting on April 28. “Nicotine is addictive – it increases mental health issues like anxiety and depression, especially when introduced to young people before the age of 25. Right now, this is one issue where we can be part of the solution in the region, and as the seventh largest Minnesota city, I do feel it’s our responsibility to make the best decisions we can.” “When I view this ordinance, I have to balance out the side of me that wants to be very pro-business with that of public health,” said Plymouth councilmember Kimberly Nelson during the city council meeting on April 28. “We’re talking about nicotine and tobacco being the number one preventable public health problem in America — which is also leading to massive health care costs. As much as I take a lot of pride in Plymouth being a city that is business-friendly, we also have to make sure that we’re staying one of the healthiest cities.” Tobacco use remains the number one killer in Minnesota, claiming nearly 6,000 lives and costing Minnesotans over $4.7 billion in excess healthcare costs every year. The tobacco industry has a long history of targeting kids with candy-like flavors and misleading marketing to build a customer base of lifelong users. Nearly 14% of Minnesota high school students reported using e-cigarettes during the past 30 days, and 76% of Minnesota students who have ever tried a commercial tobacco product started with a flavored one. National data show that about 95% of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21.  The Plymouth City Council first discussed potential amendments to the tobacco licensing ordinance at study sessions on Oct. 28, 2025, and Jan. 27, 2026. Following these discussions, staff prepared a draft ordinance incorporating council direction. A public hearing was held on April 13, 2026, following a required notice to all license holders in accordance with Minnesota State Statute 461.19. After the hearing, the council directed staff to return with the ordinance as presented for consideration of adoption at the April 28 meeting. “Policies like the ones before you — ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, limiting retailer density and eliminating price promotions — prioritize the well-being of people over the profits of the tobacco industry,” said Dr. Lisa Mattson, Plymouth resident and president of Minnesota Medical Association, during the April 13 public hearing. “These policies will prevent youth initiation, support quitting and protect the health of all Plymouth residents.” “For such dangerous items, tobacco products are far too attractive and far too attainable because of the profit-centered methods of the tobacco industry,” said Shivam Srivastava, Plymouth resident and sophomore at Breck School, during the April 13 public hearing. “Youth suffer the greatest consequences of these policies, and as a high schooler, I have seen and heard these stories firsthand. Restricting tobacco sellers and prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products is a crucial step in protecting Minnesotan youth, and a step that many cities across Minnesota have already taken.” The sweeping package of Plymouth City Code changes includes revising tobacco product definitions, licensing, prohibited acts, penalties, severability and license fees including: Prohibiting the sale of flavored products Setting the maximum number of new tobacco licenses at zero Establishing a 500-foot buffer from schools and youth-oriented park amenities for new licenses Eliminating couponing and price promotions Increasing the annual license fee Increasing administrative penalties for violations Updating ordinance language (purpose, definitions and severability) Read the full City of Plymouth ordinance changes here.

The Association for Nonsmokers – Minnesota and NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center conducted pre and post store assessments in Minneapolis to assess compliance with changes to the city’s tobacco ordinance in 2024 and 2025. A sample of commercial tobacco retailers were evaluated to measure store compliance with: May 2024 ordinance change (1) setting a minimum price per pack of cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products of $15.00 and (2) disallowing price discounts and coupons for commercial tobacco products. July 2025 ordinance change setting a minimum price for e-cigarettes/vapes of $25.00. Of 314 tobacco license holders in Minneapolis, a sample of approximately 30 stores were assessed before and after the implementation of the two tobacco ordinance changes. A pre-assessment was done in October 2023, and post-assessments were completed in December 2024 and December 2025. Stores were selected to be a representative sample of different types of stores (tobacco-only stores, convenience stores, and chain stores), as well as different neighborhoods and regions of the city. Each assessment used a slightly different sample of stores, resulting in 25 stores that were checked at all three points in time and an additional 4 stores that were checked at both post-assessments. Of the 29 stores checked at both post-assessments, the number of stores that were in compliance (did NOT sell a pack of cigarettes for under $15) went from 21 (72%) in December 2024 to 27 (93%) in December 2025. The number of stores that were in compliance (did NOT sell a can of chew for under $15) went from 17 (59%) in December 2024 to 25 (86%) in December 2025. This demonstrates that the tobacco ordinance change was effective at maintaining high prices for commercial tobacco products, and compliance improved over time. The December 2025 store assessment was modified to check prices for e-cigarettes/vapes, given the Minneapolis minimum price ordinance for vapes passed six months prior (July 2025). Of the 29 stores checked, 21 (72%) were in compliance (did not sell a vape for under $25). This demonstrates additional work is needed to improve compliance; however, based on the results for other commercial tobacco products, compliance may improve over time. Of the 25 stores checked at all points in time, the number of stores that were in compliance with not having in-store promotions for any tobacco products went from 20 (80%) before the ordinance change to 19 (76%) in December 2024 and 25 (100%) in December 2025. Most stores (80%) did not have promotions prior to the ordinance; however, that improved to no stores having tobacco promotions by approximately 16 months after the ordinance disallowing price discounts and coupons was implemented. Based on this evaluation, the Minneapolis tobacco ordinance changes were effective at maintaining high cigarette and chew prices and ending in-store promotions. Compliance with the city’s tobacco ordinance improved over time, though more work is needed to increase compliance with the new vape minimum price.

Commercial tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable illness and death in Minnesota and across the United States. Among commercial tobacco products, menthol and other flavored commercial tobacco items pose a unique risk. These flavors attract young people, making it easier to start using tobacco and harder to quit. To address this, the Association for Nonsmokers - Minnesota (ANSR) has launched a new initiative funded by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Reducing the Burden of Menthol and Flavored Commercial Tobacco Products through Policy Change  grant. his grant aims to reduce tobacco-related harm through local policy change. Why Focus on Menthol and Flavored Tobacco Products? Menthol and other flavors mask the harshness of commercial tobacco, making it more appealing, especially to youth and new users. Research shows that flavored tobacco products increase the likelihood of starting tobacco use and decrease the chances of quitting. This contributes to ongoing health disparities, particularly in communities where tobacco use is more common. By targeting these products, the grant seeks to: Prevent young people from starting commercial tobacco use Support adults who want to quit Promote health equity by reducing tobacco-related disparities Goals of the Grant The grant has two main goals that guide its work in Minnesota: 1. Advance Local and Tribal Policies The grant supports communities in creating and enforcing policies that prohibit the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol. These policies help reduce access to these products, especially among youth. Local and Tribal governments play a crucial role in protecting public health by passing laws that limit tobacco sales. 2. Increase Community Coverage of Flavored Tobacco Policies The grant aims to expand the number of Minnesotans living in areas covered by flavored tobacco restrictions. This means more communities will have policies that reduce the availability of these products, leading to better health outcomes statewide. The Role of ANSR Emily Anderson, managing the grant at ANSR, brings experience in tobacco prevention and community engagement. ANSR works closely with local leaders, health organizations, and Tribal governments to build support for policy change. Their efforts include: Providing technical assistance to draft and implement policies Educating the public about the risks of flavored tobacco and about best practices for local policy change;  Supporting enforcement of new regulations This collaborative approach helps create lasting change that benefits all Minnesotans. Emily’s contact information: Email - Emily@ansrmn.org