After giving preliminary approval to a measure that would up the legal age of selling tobacco products from 18 to 21 the council agreed last night to keep the lower age intact.
Under the original action store employees younger than 21 could complete the transaction as long as they were being supervised by someone who meets the 21 age requirement.
City Attorney Dan Gaustad says the age change raised concerns among some in the business community. “We made an adjustment so that if you were at least 18 years old you don’t need supervision.”
Mayor Bandon Bochenski says he has visited with public health officials and they are O-K with leaving the age at 18. “With workforce it would be really difficult to expect these gas stations and stores to have a 21 year old on duty all time.”
In other action the council gave final approval to an ordinance lowering the age from 19 to 18 for serving and collecting money for alcoholic beverages in a restaurant. The server would need to be supervised by a person 21 or older.
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In other council notes members rejected a move to lower special assessment costs for business owners in the Oscarville park. The parcel is located between I-29 and North 42nd Street. The upgrades cost in excess of $3.2 million dollars.
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