2026.05.05 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: May 1, 2026
City Council
Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Upper Community Room/Zoom
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City
Charter, the Crystal City Council work session was held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at _____ p.m.
electronically via Zoom and in the upper community room at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N.,
Crystal, Minnesota. If the agenda items are not completed in time for the regular city council
meeting at 7 p.m., the meeting will be continued and resumed immediately following the city
council meeting.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Eidbo ____ Bell
____ Kamish ____ Tierney
____ Kiser ____ Therres
____ Onesirosan ____ Elholm
____ Budziszewski ____ Hubbard
____ Cummings ____ Kunde
____ Deshler ____ Struve
____ Sutter
____ Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1) Commission candidate interviews:
• Lilliann Henthorne – Inclusion and Diversity, Parks and Recreation (Ward 1).
• Jordan Pinneke – Inclusion and Diversity (Ward 3).
2) Crystal Frolics.
3) Tobacco/Kratom follow-up.
4) Constituent issues update.*
5) New business.*
6) Council comments and announcements.*
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the city clerk at
(763) 531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
Page 1 of 3
APPLICATION FOR CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND TASK FORCES
Return application to: 4141 Douglas Drive N, Crystal MN 55422
Fax: (763) 531-1188; email: commissions@crystalmn.gov
Please check one: New Applicant Reappointment
Thank you for your interest in serving your community as a volunteer. Please indicate below the board,
commission or task force which you would like to be appointed to. (Note eligibility requirements - a
member of a board, commission or task force must be a lawful resident of Crystal and, if required, a resident
of the Council ward from which they are appointed.) Your application will be kept on file for one year.
Charter Commission
Employee Review Board
Inclusion and Diversity Commission
Parks & Recreation Commission (Ward )
Planning Commission (Ward )
Sustainability Commission (Section )
Watershed Mgt Organization – Bassett Creek
Watershed Mgt Organization – Shingle Creek
West Metro Fire Board
Metro Blue Line (Business Advisory)
Metro Blue Line (Community Advisory)
PERSONAL INFORMATION (please print)
Name Length of residence in Crystal
First Middle Last
Street Address Zip
Home Phone Work Phone
Cell Email
Employer Occupation
STATEMENT OF INTEREST
Why are you interested in serving on this city board or commission?
IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING OUR COMMUNITY
What do you think are the most important issues facing our community over the next several
years?
Describe what issues and ideas you would like to see addressed by the board, commission or task
force you would like to serve on.
Page 2 of 3
NEW APPLICANTS ONLY:
Have you attended and observed a board, commission or task force meeting for which you’ve
made application?
Yes, on Not yet, but I will attend a meeting on
(date of meeting) (date of meeting)
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Describe your education and/or professional experience.
REAPPOINTMENTS ONLY:
BOARD, COMMISSION OR TASK FORCE HIGHLIGHTS
Describe a highlight(s) or accomplishment(s) of the board, commission or task force during your
last term.
COMMUNITY, CIVIC OR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Please list your volunteer experience.
ATTENDANCE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Are you aware of the meeting schedule for this board, commission or task force, and are you able
to attend meetings regularly? Yes No
For reappointments only: If you have not been able to attend meetings regularly, please explain:
A conflict of interest may arise by your participation in an activity, action or decision from which
you receive or could potentially receive direct or indirect personal financial gain. Do you have any
legal or equitable interest in any business which, in the course of your participation on this board,
commission or task force, could give rise to a conflict of interest? Yes No
(If yes, please provide details on a separate sheet of paper.)
As a board, commission or task force member, what issue(s) might cause conflict between your
civic responsibility and personal or professional interests? How would you manage these conflicts?
Page 3 of 3
Please select which of the following you will allow listed on a public roster (you must select either
email or one phone number):
EMAIL OR PHONE (may choose more than one):
ALL OF THE ABOVE
home work cell
MN Driver’s License or MN State ID Number:
Date of birth: If known by previous name, provide:
Applicant’s signature Date
Process
Step 1 Complete an application.
Step 2 Return the completed application to city staff.
Step 3 Participate in a 10-minute interview with the city council.
Step 4 Optional: attend the council meeting when appointment is made.
CITY USE ONLY: Date received: Lives in ward/section: Date appointed: Term expires:
If applicable, position appointed to (ward/at large/alternate/public member/etc.):
Notes:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING YOUR APPLICATION
DATA PRIVACY NOTICE: Minnesota law requires that you be informed of the purposes and
intended use of the information you are providing on this application. Pursuant to Minn. Stat.
§13.601, your name, address, length of residence, occupation, education, training, civic affiliations,
qualifications and experience are public data and is available to anyone who requests the
information.
The information you provide will be used to identify you as an applicant, enable us to contact you
when additional information is required, send you notices, and assess your qualifications for
appointment. This data is not legally required, but refusal to supply the information requested
may affect the City Council’s ability to accurately evaluate your application.
Should you be appointed to a board, commission or task force, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §13.601,
your residential address will become public information. In addition, either a telephone number
or email address where you can be reached will become public. The purpose is to list contact
information for board, commission and task force members on a public roster.
I have read the data privacy notice given above and authorize investigation into all statements
contained in this application. Furthermore, I authorize the City of Crystal to conduct a criminal
history background check, pursuant to Crystal City Code Section 311.01, Subd. 2, for purposes of
determining my eligibility for a volunteer position with the City.
I:\Commissions, Boards, Task Forces\Applicants, Interviews, Staff Reports, Vacancies\Application For Board, Commission, Task Force - Current.Doc
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 30, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: Crystal Frolics – 2026 Financial Support Consideration
Background
Crystal Frolics is a long-standing community event that has historically been delivered through a
partnership between the city and the Frolics Committee. The event has been an important part
of the community’s identity, providing opportunities for residents to gather, celebrate, and
connect.
In 2026, the City’s Family Fun Festival at Becker Park will shift to June as a “Kick-off to Summer”
event, while the traditional Frolics celebration will continue in July. This change is intended to
complement, rather than replace, Frolics and broaden overall community engagement
opportunities.
Current Situation
In recent years, the Frolics Committee has experienced declining fundraising revenues, resulting
in financial hardship. Additionally, there has been a recent transition in committee leadership.
The new leadership team has begun implementing updated fundraising strategies and
operational improvements to place the event on a more stable financial footing.
Historically, the city has provided varying levels of support to Frolics. The only formal
documentation of City support is a Council resolution designating Frolics as an eligible recipient
of charitable gambling funds. Staff are aware of a past practice of charging a flat $10,000 fee for
city services (including police), but no formal agreement or documentation has been located to
substantiate that arrangement.
The Frolics Committee has indicated that, without additional support in 2026, the event may not
be sustainable in its current form.
Proposed 2026 City Support
Given the community value of Crystal Frolics and the current financial challenges, staff
recommends the following one-time support measures for 2026:
1. Waive the special event permit fee
2. Waive fees for city staff support, including police services
3. Allocate charitable gambling funds in an amount to be determined by the City Council, or
authorize the City Manager to determine an amount not to exceed $25,000
For reference, in 2025, the City authorized $26,000 in charitable gambling funds from the West
Metro Fire-Rescue District Relief Association to support Frolics as requested by the Relief
Association. Discussions between the Frolics Committee and the Relief Association regarding
2026 Frolics funding are ongoing; however, no funding commitment has been confirmed to
date.
Staff Perspective
Crystal Frolics has been a valued and recognizable community event for many years. While the
current financial situation presents challenges, the recent leadership changes and renewed
focus on fundraising suggest there is a viable path forward.
Staff believes it would be a significant loss to the community if Frolics were to discontinue. The
proposed 2026 support is intended as a one-year bridge to allow the committee time to stabilize
operations and improve financial sustainability.
Staff recommends that any support provided in 2026 be clearly communicated as a one-time
measure. Following the 2026 event, the city and the Frolics Committee should reassess the
event’s financial condition and determine an appropriate level of future City involvement.
Requested City Council Action
No formal action is requested; however, to help guide staff in preparing potential ordinance
language, the Council is asked to provide direction on the following:
• Is the Council supportive of providing one-time financial assistance to sustain Crystal
Frolics in 2026?
• If so, what level of charitable gambling funds should be allocated (up to $25,000)?
• Does the Council support waiving event-related fees and city service costs for 2026?
• Does the Council have any direction for how to approach city support for Frolics
beyond 2026, contingent on this year’s outcome?
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 30, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: Tobacco/Kratom Regulation Follow-up
BACKGROUND
At the Council’s direction provided at the March 3 council work session, staff have reviewed
potential policy options to further regulate the sale of tobacco and nicotine products within the
City of Crystal. Communities across Hennepin County and the broader metro area have taken a
range of approaches, from maintaining current regulations to implementing comprehensive
restrictions on flavored tobacco products and related pricing controls.
Currently, Crystal does not impose additional local restrictions beyond state and federal law.
However, there has been a clear regional trend toward increased regulation, particularly focused
on flavored tobacco products due to their documented appeal to youth and associated public
health impacts.
This memo outlines the primary policy options available to the Council, along with a summary of
how surrounding cities are regulating these products.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS AND OPTIONS
There are many options for the council to consider.
1. Maintain Current Regulations
• No changes to the City Code
• Continue to follow state and federal regulations only
This option maintains the status quo and avoids additional regulatory or enforcement
responsibilities.
2. Limiting Flavored Tobacco
Flavor restrictions are the most common local regulatory tool and can vary in scope:
a) All flavors, including menthol
o Most comprehensive approach
o Aligns with several area cities (e.g., Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Plymouth).
b) Flavored products except menthol
o More limited approach
o Aligns with several area cities (E.g., New Hope and Robbinsdale)
o Often viewed as a compromise, though menthol products have been shown to
disproportionately impact certain communities
3. Defining Covered Products
The Council may choose to regulate some or all of the following product types:
a) Cigarettes
b) Smokeless tobacco
c) Tobacco-free nicotine products (e.g., synthetic nicotine pouches)
d) Cigars (some cities exempt boutique cigars)
e) Electronic delivery devices (e-cigarettes/vapes)
Most cities that regulate flavors apply restrictions broadly across all categories to avoid
substitution between product types.
4. Additional Regulatory Tools
Some cities have layered additional restrictions to further reduce access:
• Minimum Price Requirements
o Establishes a price floor to discourage low-cost purchases (E.g., Columbia Heights,
Richfield, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis).
• Minimum Package Size
o Prevents the sale of single cigars or small, inexpensive packages (E.g., Columbia
Heights, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis).
• Prohibition on Coupons or Discounted Sales
o Limits price manipulation strategies commonly used by retailers (Plymouth
recently adopted this regulation).
5. Applicability of Restrictions
The Council may determine which retailers are subject to regulations:
• All licensed tobacco retailers
o Creates consistency and simplifies enforcement
• Exemption for Tobacco Product Shops
o Common in some cities (E.g., New Hope and Robbinsdale)
o Typically applies to adult-only establishments deriving the majority of revenue
from tobacco (Tobacco product shops)
6. Kratom Regulation
• Option to fully prohibit the sale of kratom products within the city
• This would be a complete ban (no partial restriction options)
• Notably, recent state law changes increased the legal purchase age from 18 to 21
• Potential exposure to legal challenges due to a lack of state or federal regulation. Crystal
would be the first in the state to do so.
7. Implementation Timeline
• Regulations may take effect immediately upon adoption, or
• Council may choose a delayed effective date to allow retailers time to adjust
For reference, Plymouth recently adopted a flavored tobacco ban effective January 1, 2028,
providing a longer transition period.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Any proposed ordinance would require a 30-day notice period.
• Staff expects significant industry and retailer push-back.
• Will have an economic impact on most tobacco retailers.
• Kratom regulation is not a settled legal question.
SUMMARY
The regional data shows a clear divide: several cities have not adopted additional regulations,
while others have implemented comprehensive flavor bans, often including menthol. A smaller
group has opted for more targeted restrictions that exclude menthol and/or exempt specialty
tobacco retailers.
There is no single standard approach, and each option involves tradeoffs related to public health
outcomes, equity considerations, enforcement complexity, and potential economic impacts on
local businesses.
Requested City Council Action
No formal action is requested; however, to help guide staff in preparing potential ordinance
language, the Council is asked to provide direction on the following:
1. Is there a Council majority interested in further regulating tobacco this year?
2. Flavor regulation—should it include menthol?
3. What products should be included?
4. Price regulation—minimum price, coupon or sale ban?
5. Size regulation—minimum package size?
6. What retailers should the regulations apply to?
7. Should the City ban kratom products?
8. When should any new regulations become effective?
APPENDICES
Surrounding Area Comparisons
Flavored Commercial Tobacco Policy Map
SURROUNDING AREA COMPARISONS
Below is a summary of how surrounding cities currently regulate tobacco products:
City Tobacco Regulation Policy Flavor Restriction Price/Size
Restriction
Brooklyn
Center
No restrictions n/a n/a
Brooklyn Park No restrictions n/a n/a
Champlin No restrictions n/a n/a
Crystal No restrictions n/a n/a
Hopkins No restrictions n/a n/a
Maple Grove No restrictions n/a n/a
Medicine Lake No restrictions n/a n/a
Osseo No restrictions n/a n/a
Columbia
Heights
Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco Price and size
minimum
Edina Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco n/a
Fridley Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco n/a
Golden Valley Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco n/a
Minneapolis Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco n/a
Minnetonka Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco n/a
Plymouth Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco No coupons or
sales
Richfield Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco Price and size
minimum
New Hope Restricts sale of fruit- and candy-
flavored tobacco, excludes
menthol
All flavored tobacco, except menthol,
wintergreen, and mint. Excludes
Tobacco Products Shop
n/a
Robbinsdale Restricts sale of fruit- and candy-
flavored tobacco, excludes
menthol
All flavored tobacco, except menthol,
wintergreen, and mint. Excludes
Tobacco Products Shop
Price and size
minimum
St Louis Park Restricts sale of fruit- and candy-
flavored tobacco, excludes
menthol
All flavored tobacco, except menthol,
wintergreen, and mint.
n/a
FLAVORED
COMMERCIAL
TOBACCO PRODUCTS*
BIG TOBACCO TARGETS KIDS WITH FLAVORED PRODUCTS
Flavored commercial tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, blunt wraps, e-
cigarettes (also known as vapes) and shisha (tobacco used in hookah). These products help the
tobacco industry bypass the FDA’s 2009 ban of flavored cigarettes other than menthol.¹ Menthol
is the only flavor allowed in cigarettes.
Photo credit: ANSR-MN
Vape packaging often has colorful
designs and resembles popular
imagery familiar to youth.
Photo credit: Tobacco-Free Alliance
Vapes come in thousands of flavors
such as Mixed Berry Ice and Sour
Rainbow Berries (shown above).
THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY USES
FLAVORED PRODUCTS TO ATTRACT
THE NEXT GENERATION OF
SMOKERS 3
Young people are more likely to use
flavored commercial tobacco, and most
would quit if flavors were removed. 4
In 2023, three fourths of Minnesota
students (76.3%) who had used
commercial tobacco said the first product
they tried was flavored.5
Even more alarming, 93.3% of high school
and middle school students who vaped in
the last month chose flavored products.5
COMMERCIAL TOBACCO
PRODUCTS ARE OFFERED IN
THOUSANDS OF FLAVORS THAT
APPEAL TO YOUTH
There are over 15,000 nicotine vape
flavors available, many of which are
designed to appeal to young users by
mimicking the names and flavors of
popular candies. Brands like “Cloud
Nurdz,” “Bazooka Sour Straws,” and
names like “Gummy Worm” are just a few
examples of how vape products often
blur the line between candy and
nicotine, making them especially enticing
to kids.
Vape devices, specifically disposables,
are the most popular commercial
tobacco product used by youth.2
Cigars, chewing tobacco, blunt wraps,
vapes and shisha are sold in fruit, candy,
dessert and novelty flavors.
Cheap cigars come in bright packages and a wide variety of
flavors, such as grape, strawberry, blueberry, tropical fusion
and chocolate/vanilla swirl.
ZYN & THE RISE IN POPULARITY OF NICOTINE POUCHES
Nicotine pouches, specifically the brand Zyn, are growing in
popularity among youth in large part because they offer a discrete
way to obtain a nicotine fix without alerting adults to nicotine use. 6
See our ‘Oral Nicotine Products’ factsheet for more information
MORE ABOUT MENTHOL FLAVORED
COMMERCIAL TOBACCO HARMS
Menthol makes smoking and using commercial tobacco easier to start and harder to quit. The tobacco
industry adds menthol flavor to make smoking easier. It gives users a cooling feeling that makes smoking
seem smoother and less irritating. Menthol increases nicotine absorption, leading to greater dependence.7
FLAVORED COMMERCIAL TOBACCO PRODUCTS,
ESPECIALLY MENTHOL, ARE A THREAT TO HEALTH
EQUITY
The tobacco industry targets certain populations with menthol
cigarette marketing using tactics like ads, giveaways, lower prices,
lifestyle branding and event sponsorships.8 This aggressive targeted
marketing contributes to health disparities.
Due to tobacco industry targeting, 85% of African Americans who
smoke, smoke menthols.9 Tobacco industry tactics contribute to
American Indians and Alaska Natives having the highest tobacco
use rates in the U.S., leading to high rates of tobacco-related deaths
and diseases.10
The tobacco industry designed menthol marketing ads to target
LGBTQ+ communities. This targeting exacerbates tobacco-related
health disparities within LGBTQ+
communities.11
The tobacco industry heavily targets
African Americans with menthol cigarettes
by advertising in popular magazines.
TAKE ACTION TO END THE SALE OF FLAVORED
COMMERCIAL TOBACCO PRODUCTSThe tobacco industry also attracts customers
by offering price discounts as seen below.
Photo credit: Trinkets and Trash
States, cities, and counties can end the sales of menthol
cigarettes and flavored commercial tobacco products to protect
youth and targeted populations.
Six states and over 380 cities and counties restrict flavored
commercial tobacco sales. More than 190 of them ban or restrict
the sale of menthol cigarettes.12
Studies show that ending the sale of flavored commercial tobacco
products reduces the chance that teens will ever try commercial
tobacco.13
The FDA could regulate all flavored commercial tobacco products
but has been slow to act. In April 2022, the FDA proposed a ban
on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.14 The final ruling will
likely take years and leaves out all other flavored commercial
tobacco products.
Link to map of Minnesota cities and counties
addressing the sale of flavored commercial
tobacco products. Or at our website listed below.
*Tobacco in this document refers specifically to the use of manufactured,
commercial tobacco products, and not to the sacred, medicinal and
traditional use of tobacco by American Indians and other groups.
References are available at ansrmn.org/flavors
2395 University Ave W, STE 310, St. Paul. MN 55114
651-646-3005 | ansrmn.org
last updated:
October 2024
ANSR is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial
tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota.
BeautifulLieUglyTruth.org
This publication is made possible by funding from the Minnesota Department of
Health’s Commercial Tobacco-Free Communities Grant Program.
BEST PRACTICES AND POLICY
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UPDATING A
COMMERCIAL TOBACCO RETAIL ORDINANCE
When updating a commercial tobacco retail license ordinance, it is important to use a multi-
pronged approach to address commercial tobacco use in the community. Each of the best
practices listed play a key role in preventing youth initiation of commercial tobacco product use
and support adults who currently use a commercial tobacco product to quit.
Below are evidence-based strategies, supported by research and model policies that cities
have the ability to adopt into city code and will help reduce commercial tobacco use, prevent
initiation, and promote a healthier community for all residents. The recommendations are
based on the model policy from Public Health Law Center and include the following context.
ENDING THE SALE OF FLAVORED COMMERCIAL TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Nearly all commercial tobacco products come in a variety of
candy, fruit, mint and novelty flavors. Flavored products are
especially appealing to youth, who are much more likely to
use flavored products than adults. Young people think
flavored commercial tobacco products taste better and are
safer than unflavored products, even though they are just
as dangerous and addictive. Many jurisdictions in
Minnesota have adopted this provision to reduce the
availability and accessibility of flavored commercial tobacco
products for youth. For more information, see “Flavored
Tobacco Bans: Fact vs. Fiction.”
Photo Credit: Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota.
CAP NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL TOBACCO RETAIL LICENSES
Some jurisdictions have chosen to limit the number of licenses granted. There are varied
approaches to restricting the number of tobacco licenses, including setting a cap at zero
licenses, Setting a cap of one or more on the total number of licenses and requiring any
prospective tobacco or e-cigarette retailer in excess of the cap to join a waiting list until an
existing license becomes available, Setting a cap at a specific number of licenses based on
population. For more information, see “Location, Location, Location: Tobacco & E-Cig Point of
Sale.”
RESTRICT COUPON & PRICE PROMOTION
The price of commercial tobacco products directly affects
the consumption levels, particularly among price-sensitive
consumers, including youth, young adults, and those with
limited financial means. Some pricing strategies used
include “buy-one-get one” coupons, cents, or dollar off
promotions, and multi pack offers, which are often
marketed and redeemed at the point-of-sale. Jurisdictions
can prohibit the redemption of price discounts to negate
the sophisticated discounting strategies of the commercial tobacco industry. Several
jurisdictions in Minnesota have adopted this provision to keep the price of licensed products
high to discourage availability to youth. For more information, see “Death on a Discount.”
Photo Credit: Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota.
SET A MINIMUM PRICE & PACKAGE SIZE
Setting a minimum price for tobacco products is an effective public health policy. Establishing a
minimum price helps discourage youth smoking and reduces overall tobacco consumption. To
complement this, setting standardized package sizes is important. This ensures pricing
consistency and prevents manufacturers from circumventing minimum price rules through
smaller, more affordable pack sizes. The additional revenue when setting a minimum price, will
be held by the retailer. For more information, see “Comprehensive Minimum Prices and
Packaging.”
INCREASE PENALTY STRUCTURE
Some jurisdictions have a violation structure similar to what is listed below. This structure can
further enhance these penalties to deter non-compliance:
First Violation: $1,000 fineFi
Second Violation (within 36 months): $2,000 fine and a 3-day suspension of the licenseSe
Third Violation (within 36 months): $2,000 fine and a 7-day suspension of the licenseTh
Fourth Violation: Revocation of the tobacco license
2395 University Ave W, STE 310, St. Paul. MN 55114
651-646-3005 | ansrmn.org
ANSR is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of
commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota.
Created with Commercial Tobacco Free Communities funding from the
Minnesota Department of Health.
Last updated: December 2025
TOBACCO INDUSTRY TARGETING
2X
MN young adult nonsmokers
who receive tobacco
coupons are twice as likely
to become smokers.
About 50 percent of MN smokers
have used tobacco coupons or
promotions in the past year to
save money on cigarettes.
A third of adult smokers
use tobacco coupons
or discounts every time
they see one.
THE FACTS ARE . . .
Tobacco companies spent
$8.7 BILLION in 2022 to reduce
the price of cigarettes and smokeless
tobacco for consumers.
COUPONS HINDER SMOKERS’
ATTEMPTS TO QUIT. Minnesota adult
smokers who redeemed cigarette coupons
were much less likely to quit smoking than
those who didn’t use coupons.
DON’T DISCOUNT
KEEPING TOBACCO PRICES HIGH
IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO
HELP PEOPLE QUIT & PREVENT
YOUNG PEOPLE FROM STARTING
TO USE TOBACCO.
When prices are higher, tobacco use decreases,
especially among youth and low-income smokers.
Tobacco companies use coupons and retail
promotions to lower the price of products.
Price promotions are so targeted to smokers, they
are nearly invisible to the general public and allow
the tobacco industry to avoid regulations.
MY LIFE
DEATH AT A DISCOUNT
Tobacco companies send coupons
in birthday cards, pass them out
at events and bars, promote them
inside stores, and send emails
and text alerts through their
smartphone apps.
This customer only paid $2 for two
packs of American Spirit cigarettes.
Without the coupon, the customer
would have paid $19.98.
DISCOUNTED TOBACCO ONLY
BENEFITS THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY.
Tobacco coupons and discounts make it more likely young people will become addicted to tobacco and less likely current smokers will be able to quit. Young and low income smokers are more likely to use tobacco coupons or promotions.
TAKE ACTION!
WE CAN STOP THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY FROM TARGETING OUR COMMUNITIES
WITH CHEAP TOBACCO.
Cities CAN and SHOULD prevent the redemption of tobacco coupons to help people quit smoking and prevent
people from starting.
www.DontDiscountMyLife.org
Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota
2395 University Ave. W, Suite 310, Saint Paul MN 55114
References available at: DontDiscountMyLife.org
(December 2018)
THE TOBACCO
INDUSTRY USES
COUPONS TO KEEP
PRICES LOW.
Commercial Tobacco Prevention Background and Policy Options
Crystal, MN City Council Work Session
Jackie Siewert, Hennepin County Public Health
Katie Engman, Association for Nonsmokers-MN
May 5, 2026
Who We Are
The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota (ANSR) is
dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of
commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in
Minnesota. Our core commitments are:
●to protect young Minnesotans from a lifetime of
addiction;
●to ensure that all Minnesotans can breathe
clean, smoke-free air everywhere; and
●reduce health inequities and other disparities in
relation to commercial tobacco, nicotine and
other drugs.
Agenda
Tobacco Industry
What are the impacts on our community?
State and Federal Updates
What has already been done?
Policy Considerations
What can be done at the local level
Questions
And council discussion
Swiss Cheese Model
Tobacco Industry Targeting
Commercial
tobacco use
remains the
leading cause of
preventable death
and disease, taking
the lives of more
than 6,300
Minnesotans and
costing the state
over $9 billion each
year.
In Minnesota, one
in seven 11th
graders uses e-
cigarettes, and 90
percent of those
students use
flavored e-
cigarettes.
The tobacco
industry targets
Black, LGBTQ+,
American Indians
and young people
and spends more
than $100 million a
year marketing
their products in
Minnesota.
Commercial Tobacco Use is Still a Problem
Hennepin County
Commercial Tobacco Profile
Sources: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Cost of Smoking Report, MDH Vital Statistics, CDC PLACES: Local Data for Bet ter
Health, County Data, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Minnesota Student Survey, and U.S. Census Population Estimat es
Local Commercial
Tobacco Use Data and Disparities
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Tobacco Industry Targeting Impacts
Current smoking rate among Minnesota subset populations
Current (past 30 days) youth e-cigarette use
Robbinsdale School District , Minnesota Student Survey, 2016-2025
6%
10%
4.4%
2%
7%
10%
6%
2%
8%
11%
8%
6%
0%
5%
10%
15%
2016 2019 2022 2025
8th
9th
11th
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5,
2026
Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023 Continued
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May
5, 2026
Hennepin County adult current smoking by race/ethnicity
7%
3%^
26%
15%
5%^
5%*
9%*
43%
8%
0%10%20%30%40%50%
White
Foreign-born Black
US-born Black
Black or African American
Southeast Asian
Asian or Asian American
Hispanic or Latino/a
American Indian or Alaska Native
Hennepin County
Notes: 1. Survey participants can check one
or more race categories; 2. Race and
ethnicity are mutually exclusive.
*Estimate is potentially unreliable and should
be used with caution. (Relative Standard
Error is > 30% and ≤ 50%)
^Estimate does not meet criteria for statistical
reliability and should be used with extreme
caution. (Relative Standard Error > 50%)
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Hennepin County Public Health, SHAPE 2022 Dashboard, Survey of the Health of All the Population and the Environment, Minneapolis, Minnesota,
www.hennepin.us/your-government/research-data/shape-surveys, Accessed on 12/18/2025
Current e-cigarette use by sexual orientation or gender identity
4%5%
9%^
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Female Male Nonbinary
13%^
4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Transgender Not transgender
11%
4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
LGBQ+
self-identified
Straight/
heterosexual
^Estimate does not meet criteria for statistical reliability and should be used with extreme caution. (Relative Standard Error > 50%)
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Hennepin County adult current (past 30 days) smoking by experienced economic insecurity
Hennepin County Public Health, SHAPE 2022 Dashboard, Survey of the Health of All the Population and the Environment, Minneapolis, Minnesota,
www.hennepin.us/your-government/research-data/shape-surveys, Accessed on 12/18/2025
23%
5%
25%
6%
29%
6%
27%
6%
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%
Food insecurity
No food insecurity
Housing insecurity
No housing insecurity
Transportation insecurity
No transportation insecurity
Any economic distress
No economic distress
Tobacco Industry Targeting:
Flavored Products
90% of MN
Middle and High
School Students who
use tobacco products
use flavored products.
Source: MN Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023
Appeal
Tobacco Industry Targeting:
Countless Flavors Appeal
2007
Cig a like
2009
Vape Pen
2012
Mod
2015
Juul – the first Pod Mod
2017
Copycat Pod Mods
2019
Disposable Pod Mods/Vapes
2022
Disposables and high nicotine levels
2021
Disposable Synthetic Nicotine Vape
Tobacco Industry Targeting:
Countless Flavors - Current Appeal
Photos: Association for Nonsmokers-MN
Characteristics of
Nicotine Pouches
●Discreet and Convenient
●Flavor and Nicotine
Variety
●Targeted Marketing
●Skyrocketing Sales
Who uses these
products?
●Youth
●Young Adults
●Dual Users
Marketing: Email
January 2025
Photos: Association for Nonsmokers-MN
October 2025July 2024
Marketing: Websites
Photos: Association for Nonsmokers-MN
Marketing: “Zyn Culture” and Social Media
Photos: Association for Nonsmokers-MN
Marketing: Zyn Rewards and Pop Culture
Photos: Association for Nonsmokers-MN
Marketing: Other
Photo Credit: Amelia Bakalars, 10/15/2025
Photo Credit: Morgan Hamernik,
11/4/2025Photo Credit: SAT student, Spring 2025
Minnesota Student Survey Data
Minnesota Student Survey, 2025
0.0%
1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
5.0%
6.0%
7.0%
8.0%
9.0%
10.0%
8th Grade 9th Grade 11th Grade
Use of any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and hookah,
during the past 30 days.
Statewide Hennepin County Robbinsdale School District
The Impact of Nicotine on the
Adolescent Brain
●No amount of nicotine is safe for young people.
●Nicotine is highly addictive and a stimulant.
●Youth exposed to nicotine are more likely to use other
substances.
●4 in 5 Minnesota teens who vape may be nicotine
dependent.
Social Media Influences
Tobacco Industry Targeting
Tobacco Industry Targeting Cont.
Menthol Tobacco = Harder to Quit
•Menthol increases nicotine absorption, leading to greater
dependence.
•Among high school smokers, those who smoke menthols are more
likely to smoke within one hour of waking and more likely to report
cravings compared to high school smokers of non -menthols.
Wackowski & Delnevo, 2007. Menthol cigarettes and indicators of tobacco dependence
among adolescents. Addictive Behaviors, 32(9), 1964-1969.
African Americans Use Menthol More Than
Other Racial/Ethnic Groups
Smoking Incidence from NHIS 2009; menthol preference from NSDUH 2009; Giovino GA,
Villanti AC, Mowery PD, et al. Differential trends in cigarette smoking in the USA: Is
menthol slowing progress? Tobacco Control. 2013.
African Americans Adult Smokers Who Use
Menthol
Smoking Incidence from NHIS 2009; menthol preference from NSDUH 2009; Giovino GA,
Villanti AC, Mowery PD, et al. Differential trends in cigarette smoking in the USA: Is
menthol slowing progress? Tobacco Control. 2013.
Menthol: Tobacco Industry Targeting
•There is sufficient research to confirm that tobacco
companies targeted youth, women, and African Americans
with menthol marketing
•Research also suggests that tobacco companies targeted
Latinos, Asians, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders
Tobacco Industry Menthol Advertisements
Sources: http://tobacco.stanford.edu/
http://tobacco.stanford.edu/
www.trinketsandtrash.org
1975 2015
Tobacco Industry Greenwashing
Vape Waste is Toxic E-Waste
Vape waste creates three big environmental problems:
1.Increase in single-use plastics
2.Introduces hazardous and toxic chemicals like nicotine into the environment when thrown out
3.Increases tech waste, including lithium-ion batteries (which are also considered toxic waste).
What’s New: Federal, State and Local
Commercial Tobacco Regulations
Federal Updates
1.Tobacco 21 (2019)
2.Few restrictions on flavored vaping products
3.FDA declared menthol harmful, but has yet to act.
FDA Authorization
Minnesota Tobacco 21, etc.
●Increased age to purchase to 21 from 18 yrs old;
●Removed Purchase, Use and Possession (PUP)
penalties for young people;
●Hold retailers accountable for responsible sales;
●Verification of age for those under 30; and
●Signage posted at the point-of-sale.
Recent City of Crystal Updates
●Capped tobacco licences 10 (currently have 20); April
2025
Commercial Tobacco Retailer Assessments
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Orono Commercial Tobacco Retailer Assessment
•Countywide assessment, 2024 (Hennepin County Public Health and partners)
•Assessed 17 licensed retailers in Crystal
•Goal: to learn about commercial tobacco retail characteristics:
−Types of retailers
−Flavors and menthol
−Price and promotions
−Youth appeal
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Percent of retailers selling different e-cigarette flavors
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Crystal Hennepin County
22%
11%
33%
33%Number of Different Flavors
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 20
More than 20
26%
13%
23%
38%
Number of Different Flavors
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 20
More than 20
Average cheapest advertised price
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Crystal Hennepin County
$10.37
Cigarettes
$17.14
Single Disposable
E-cigs
$10.96
Cigarettes
$15.41
Single Disposable
E-cigs
What’s Next?
More commercial tobacco prevention best practices
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
AppealAccessibility
Best Practices: Policy Options
to Address Appeal, Access, & Affordability
•Ending the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products;
•Limiting the number of licensed tobacco retailers;
•Price discounting: minimum pack prices and prohibiting the
redemption of coupons; and
•Increased penalties for ordinance violations.
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Ending the Sale of Flavored Commercial Tobacco Products
•Local tobacco control policies are associated with lower smoking rates, especially among
disadvantaged populations. Strengthening and expanding these policies may be an effective
strategy to further reduce tobacco-related disparities.
(Yu Y, Toy P, Yue D,et al. Tob Control Epub ahead of print: 15, July,2025. doi:10.1136/tc-2024-059213)
•Flavors play a key role in commercial tobacco use. Because flavors are particularly appealing to
young people, eliminating flavors in commercial tobacco products is expected to lead to reduction
in commercial tobacco use and commercial tobacco-related health disparities.
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Eliminating Tobacco-Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities—A Report of the Surgeon
General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2024.)
AppealAccessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
MN Communities with Flavored Policy
Appeal
AppealAccessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Hennepin
County
Communities
with Flavored
Policy
AppealAccessibility
Cap Retail Tobacco Licenses
•Restricting the number of tobacco licenses allowed in a community is a
way to decrease commercial tobacco in a community.
•Research shows that the location and density of commercial tobacco-
related product retailers influences tobacco-related product use and
worsens health disparities.
Accessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Capping: What have other Communities Done?
•Columbia Heights: No more than three (3) tobacco shops.
•Saint Anthony Village: Capped their licenses at 0. Currently have five (five). No new licenses will be
issued, and through attrition it will be 0.
•Bloomington: Capped their licenses at 0. Through attrition, the city will get down to zero tobacco
licenses.
•Little Canada: Capped their licenses at 0. Currently have seven (7). No new licenses will be issued, and
through attrition it will be 0.
•New Brighton: Capped the number of licensed tobacco shops to four (4) currently seven (7).
•Plymouth: Capped the number of tobacco licenses at 0.
•Roseville: Capped their tobacco shops are the current four (4).
•Richfield: Capped their licenses at four (4). Through attrition, the city will get down to 4 total tobacco
licenses.
Accessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Price Discounting, Coupons, & Minimum Price/Pack Size
•Among Minnesota smokers, about 50% have used coupons or
promotions in the past year to save money on cigarettes.
•Coupons foster nicotine addiction in young smokers and keep heavy
smokers addicted.
•Minnesota adult smokers who redeemed cigarette coupons were much
less likely to quit smoking than those who didn’t use coupons.
Sources:
Stat: from MATS survey 2014
Henriksen, et al. (2012). DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntrl22, Choi, et all. (2012). DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntr300
Choi, K. & Forster, J. Tobacco Direct Mail Marketing: Frequency, Content, and Prospective Effect on Smoking Behaviors of Young Adults.
AppealAccessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Price Discounting and Coupons: What have other Communities Done?
•Columbia Heights: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price discounts including in-store
promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free”. Set a minimum price for cigarettes and chewing tobacco at
$12 each and vapes at $20 each.
•Minneapolis: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price discounts including in-store
promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free”. Set a minimum price for cigarettes and chewing tobacco at
$15 each and vapes at $25 each.
•Plymouth: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price discounts including in-store
promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free”.
•St. Paul: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price discounts including in-store
promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free”. Set a minimum price for cigarettes and chewing tobacco at
$10 each.
•Saint Anthony Village: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price discounts including in-
store promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free”. Set a minimum price for cigarettes and chewing tobacco
at $15 each and vapes at $20 each.
AppealAccessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Penalties & Violations
MN State Minimum:
1st Offense: $300
2nd Offense w/in 36mo: $600
3rd Offense w/in 36mo: $1,000 & 7 day (minimum) license suspension
St. Louis Park
1st Offense: $500
2nd Offense w/in 36mo: $1,000 and 1-day license suspension
3rd Offense w/in 36mo: $2,000 & 30-day license suspension
4th Offense w/in 36th mo: Revocation
Plymouth
1st Offense: $500 and 5-day license suspension
2nd Offense w/in 36mo: $1,000 and 10-day license suspension
3rd Offense w/in 36mo: $2,000 & 20-day license suspension
4th Offense w/in 36th mo: Revocation
Accessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Purchase, Use, and Possession (PUP) Penalties
•A city’s tobacco ordinance and associated resources should focus on retailers, not those who use
commercial tobacco.
•There is no strong evidence that PUP penalties are effective in significantly reducing youth smoking.
•Historically, PUP laws were lobbied for by the commercial tobacco industry to punish youth users while
the industry simultaneously targeted and addicted youth.
•PUP penalties could open the door to selective enforcement against youth from certain racial, ethnic,
and socio-economic groups.
•Bottom Line: Cities that currently have PUP penalties no longer aligning with state law should consider
removing those penalties from their ordinance.
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Swiss Cheese Model
Minnesotans Support Ending the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products
Commercial tobacco cessation and treatment
In 2022:
•11.6% of U.S. adults reported current cigarette smoking
•Approximately two-thirds of adults (67.7%) wanted to quit smoking,
and approximately one-half (53.3%) tried to quit in the past year
•Fewer than one in 10 (8.8%) recently successfully quit (Adult Smoking
Cessation — United States, 2022 | MMWR)
Using counseling and medication together provides the best
chance of quitting successfully.
Minnesota has a free program to help people quit.
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Most people
who smoke
want to quit.
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Offerings and support
*Commercial tobacco cessation tools require participants to be 18+
**Text Messages and Email offerings require participants to be 13+.
Support is available in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. Translation
services are available for other languages.
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
A Quit Program Just for Teens
American Indian Quitline
Support for Those Living with a Mental
Illness or Other Addiction
Help If You’re Pregnant
Special programs
Kratom
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Minnesota Department of Health Website Public Health Law Center FAQ
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Kratom Resources
https://www.health.mn.gov/communities/kratom/index.html https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/sites/default/files/resources/Kratom-FAQ-MN.pdf
Jackie Siewert
Jacquelyn.Siewert@hennepin.us
612-543-0402
Katie Engman
katie@ansrmn.org
651-646-3005
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026