 The Bemidji City Council is moving forward on the tobacco ordinance to raise the purchasing age. Council members met Monday at City Hall where they voted in favor of the tobacco ordinance. This will prevent stores from selling tobacco to people who are under the age of 21. Nancy Erickson was the only city council member who was not in favor of raising the tobacco purchasing age. I think it's a good idea. I think everybody in the council felt it was good. Some just thought maybe we should wait and let the state set the rules and maybe not be out in front of it. But I think everybody felt that it's probably a good thing. The city of Bemidji is now in line with Beltrami County. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.