Shop threatened for selling candy cigarettes, gum

A Minnesota retailer recently got an unwelcome visit from a Department of Safety and Inspection official who threatened the owner with a $500 fine for selling candy.

The small shop – which features a retro soda fountain and specializes in old-fashioned candies – kept products such as Big League Chew, candy cigarettes and bubble gum cigars on its shelves in violation of a ridiculous city ordinance.

Apparently, the legislators in St. Paul equate the availability of these products with tobacco use among adults.

The left’s demonization of smoking extends to those selling candy sticks that have been available for decades prior. Exposure to such sweets leads to a lifelong addiction, they say, but seem to ignore any link between kids exposed to increasingly gratuitous sex and violence and similar behavior as an adult.

Two states – Maine and Tennessee – prohibit candy cigarette sales within their borders and I’m sure those behind each such ordinance believe they are protecting children. It is disturbing, though, to witness the government crackdown on politically incorrect products while ignoring the amoral culture actually contributing to this nation’s descent into mediocrity.