The Lloydminster and Area Drug Strategy along with the Lloydminster Sexual Assault Centre will be receiving the Lloydminster Tobacco Reduction Grant. City Council approved the grant allocation last council meeting.
This year, $25, 650 was collected as part of the Tobacco and Flavoured Tobacco Retailer Fees under the Business Bylaw. In Lloydminster the fees are $750.00/plus $350.00 for flavoured tobacco. The retail fees did come under fire earlier this year, when Councillor Ken Baker questioned if it was legal. However, during the April 24 council meeting it was decided no changes would be coming to the fees.
Community groups could apply for funding from the grant for tobacco reduction initiatives. Five applications were received, however one was withdrawn. Based on the funds, the two programs were selected for best meeting the criteria set out by the Lloydminster Tobacco Reduction Grant Committee.
The Lloydminster and Area Drug Strategy will be receiving $7, 500 for their program ‘Creating a Tobacco Free Future.’ The Lloydminster Sexual Assault Centre will be receiving $18, 150 for their program ‘Behind the Smoke.’