Hennepin County, MN Tobacco & Vaping: Flavored Tobacco Bans (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Hennepin County Ordinance No. 21, § 7(D)
- Exemption threshold
- 90% revenue from licensed products
- Exempt shops
- Adult-only, structurally isolated stores
- Applies in
- Unorganized territory & non-licensing cities
Summary
Hennepin County bans selling flavored tobacco and vape products unless a retailer meets narrow adult-only shop exemption criteria.
No person shall sell or offer for Sale any Flavored Products. This prohibition does not apply to Retail Establishments that: (1) Prohibit persons under 21 from entering at all times; (2) Derive at least 90 percent of their gross revenues from the Sale of Licensed Products; and (3) Meet all of the following building or structural criteria...
Full Breakdown
Section 7(D) of the retail tobacco sales ordinance prohibits selling any Flavored Product, defined as a licensed product with a distinguishable taste or smell other than tobacco, including menthol, mint, fruit, candy and dessert flavors. The ban does not apply to retail establishments that bar entry to anyone under 21 at all times, draw at least 90 percent of gross revenue from licensed products, and meet structural isolation requirements such as sharing no adjoining wall with another business. Qualifying retailers must provide financial records documenting sales on request.
Violations & Fines
Selling flavored tobacco or vape products outside the narrow adult-only exemption violates the ordinance and can result in license denial, suspension, revocation or citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is menthol tobacco banned in Hennepin County?
Can any vape shop sell flavored e-liquid in Hennepin County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hennepin County
Compare Hennepin County to another location·View the Minnesota tobacco & vaping overview
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