Apr. 6—WORTHINGTON — In an effort to prevent youth from vaping, the Nobles County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday on an updated tobacco ordinance that limits sales of flavored tobacco products.
Menthol, mint and wintergreen products are exempted from the section of the ordinance addressing flavored products.
Shops that get 90% of their revenue from tobacco products are also exempt, as are bars and liquor stores with liquor licenses, and may sell flavored items.
Tony Hastings, who will be principal of Worthington High School starting July 1, and Cate Koehne, principal of Adrian Middle/High School, spoke in favor of limiting the sales of flavored products.
Houston Coleman, part owner of The Station, a tobacco shop in Worthington, said he agreed with the flavor ban, noting that his business wouldn't be affected and emphasizing that they ID check everyone who comes in anyway. He suggested a half-percent tax on the items, with money raised going to educate people about vaping, might be a better way to address the problem.
Jesse Raudenbush, part owner and general manager of Steve's Holiday in Worthington, also said his business is diligent about ID checks, but felt the issue of youth vaping would be better addressed with harsher penalties on those selling to minors as well as those breaking the law by possessing vape paraphernalia while underage.
Koehne, Hastings and Nobles County Sheriff Ryan Kruger noted how difficult it is to catch minors vaping, because the items involved are so small and don't produce the scent of tobacco.
Commissioner Justin Ahlers was the dissenting vote on the board.
In other news Tuesday, the board:
* Agreed to prepare a resolution to designate all of the county's $4.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act money as lost revenue in preparation for an upcoming meeting to determine how to allocate it.
* Accepted a Help America Vote Act voting equipment grant for $24,608.07 from the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.
* Approved an agreement with New Life Treatment Center, which is working on a proof of concept project for the planned Regional Short Term Crisis residential facility. New Life will be reimbursed $100 per hour for its work, not to exceed $10,000 total.
* Approved a systems administrator position for the county's Information Technology department.
* Joined other Minnesota counties in proclaiming April 26 as County Government Appreciation Day.
* Opted to keep voter districts unchanged following a public hearing on redistricting.