File amending tobacco regulations to be discussed at committee Thursday

The Public Safety and Health Committee during its next regularly scheduled meeting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 10 will hear file #241661 – an ordinance relating to tobacco regulations. The file, sponsored by Alderman Peter Burgelis and supported by both the Tobacco-Free Alliance and American Lung Association, updates the Milwaukee code of ordinance to comply with the federal standard for the age of allowable tobacco sales from 18 to 21. Additionally, the ordinance would prohibit the sale of hookah and hookah paraphernalia to persons under the age of 21, and establishments offering hookah service would be added to the list of entities requiring a public entertainment premises license.

“In 2019, the federal government raised the minimum age for tobacco sales to 21, and it has been long overdue that Milwaukee update its ordinances to comply with the federal standard,” said Alderman Burgelis. “The evidence on the dangers of tobacco use is clear, and the tobacco used in hookah is no less dangerous than in a cigarette. Despite these factors, young people continue to use hookah, e-cigarettes and other similar products. This ordinance change will ideally allow for better compliance with, and enforcement of the law.”

The ordinance increases the penalty for selling tobacco, vaping or hookah products to anyone under the age of 21 from up to $500 to up to $1,000. The ordinance also increases the penalty from $25 to $250 for failure to post a sign stating that the sale of tobacco, vaping or hookah products to anyone under the age of 21 is unlawful.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.