St. Paul City Council Passes Menthol Ban On 6-1 Vote

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The St. Paul City Council voted to ban menthol cigarettes in the city at a Wednesday night meeting, with city council member Dan Bostrom as the only "no" vote.

St. Paul is following the lead of Minneapolis. A ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes at convenience stores starts there next August. Smokers will only be able to buy menthol brands at adult-only tobacco shops.

Supporters argue flavored tobacco targets young people. Opponents say the ban hurts small businesses.

Last week, changes were made to the St. Paul proposal. The restrictions would not take effect for a year, on Nov. 1, 2018. And liquor stores were added as a place where the cigarettes could be sold.