St. Paul Council Votes To Ban Sale Of Cheap, Single Cigars

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The St. Paul City Council approved a new ordinance Wednesday night that aims to cease the sale of cheap single cigars, or cigarillos.

Stores have 30 days to change the price of the cigars to at least $2.10, or to start selling them in packs of 5.

The ordinance deals with brands like Swisher Sweets or Black and Milds.

City council members say they hope the change will make it harder for kids and teens to get their hands on tobacco products.

"This issue is about the underlying problem of the tobacco companies' intentional marketing to youth and communities of color," council member Dai Thao said.