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Public hearing for smoking and commercial tobacco use ordinance scheduled for June 28

The board of commissioners will hold a public hearing on the Ramsey County smoking and commercial tobacco use ordinance on Tuesday, June 28 at 9 a.m.

Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health is sponsoring the ordinance, which would prohibit smoking, vaping and all commercial tobacco product use on property owned and leased by Ramsey County. The commercial tobacco ban would apply to indoor and outdoor spaces, including parks, and to private vehicles parked on Ramsey County property.

The smoking and commercial tobacco use ordinance is designed to:

  • Protect the health of the people of Ramsey County from the negative effects of commercial tobacco while in public places and places of employment.
  • Reduce commercial tobacco use and exposure in children, youth and young adults.
  • Protect the health of vulnerable and disproportionately impacted populations.
  • Reduce waste from commercial tobacco products that can harm human and animal health and the environment.
  • Preserve the right to tobacco as part of an American Indian cultural practice or a lawfully recognized religious, spiritual or cultural ceremony or practice, while focusing on commercial tobacco prevention. The term “commercial tobacco” is used to distinguish from traditional or sacred tobacco.

The Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act and Ramsey County clean indoor air ordinance already ban smoking and vaping indoors and within 25 feet of entrances, exits, open windows and ventilation intakes of public places and places of work. If passed, this ordinance would replace the Ramsey County clean indoor air ordinance, which was adopted in 2015.

View proposed ordinance and hearing details

The board will review public comment and testimony at the June 28 meeting. If you wish to speak, register in advance by completing the comment registration form or by contacting the Chief Clerk’s Office at 651-266-9200. If you can’t make the hearing, comments can be emailed.

Resources for quitting commercial tobacco

Posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 - 2:04 p.m.