Groups suffer setback in push to curb youth tobacco use

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Groups working to prevent youth tobacco use in Ohio say they suffered a setback this week after the Ohio legislature blocked local governments from restricting the sales of flavored tobacco products.

The debate about cities banning flavored tobacco products began last year when Columbus took action as an effort to cut down on teen vaping. But, GOP lawmakers passed a measure banning local governments from imposing those bans.

Governor DeWine criticized the measure and vetoed it, but, the Ohio legislature overturned his veto on Jan. 24, meaning the law will take effect in 90 days.

In addition to Governor DeWine, others who are critical of the measure are groups such as the American Cancer Society Action Network, whose Ohio government relations director tells 13 Action News that they were disappointed after they met with several lawmakers to advocate against the idea.

Supporters of the measure say if one city bans products, people will just go to the next town over. However, opponents argue that any step to curb youth tobacco use is a good step.

“We know big tobacco uses flavored products and attractive products like E-cigarettes to get youth and new users at a young age,” said Leo Almeida with ACSAN. “We are very concerned about what that means for them.”

Another concern with the measure is Ohio’s minimum age to buy tobacco is 21, which was raised from 18 five years ago. Local governments are putting up guardrails to make sure age requirements are enforced. However, the fear is that less local control could make implementing those enforcements more difficult.

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