Minn. Anti-Smoking Advocates Seek to Protect Youth from Newer Tobacco Products

Anti-smoking advocates in Minnesota are rallying behind state legislation that would ban the sale of new tobacco products to minors, the Associated Press reported April 14.

The bill, introduced by State Sen. Scott Dibble of Minneapolis, would prohibit retailers from selling to minors e-cigarettes — which deliver puffs of nicotine vapor to users — as well as tobacco strips that dissolve in the mouth.

Also under the proposed legislation, the products could not be displayed next to candy or gum in retail establishments. The bill also would bring about tougher regulation of “little cigars” by classifying them as cigarettes.