LEGAL
Ohio Governor Still Hasn't Acted on Preemption Bill
Columbus Flavor Ban Set To Take Effect January 1st, 2024. Ohio Governor Vetoes HB 513 Preemption Bill
On January 5th, 2023, e-cigarette users in Columbus, Ohio had another setback as Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would preempt local vaping ordinances. The bill, HB 513, which was passed by the state legislature in December, would stop cities and counties from enacting their own rules on e-cigarettes. The ordinance passed in Columbus, Ohio to ban the sales of flavored tobacco products will now sustain its course to take effect on January 1st, 2024 if no further actions are taken.
E-cigarette users are again left at the mercy of a patchwork of local laws. Some cities have banned vaping in public places, while others have placed restrictions on where e-cigarettes can be sold. This inconsistency makes it difficult for vapers to know what is and isn’t allowed in their community.
The bill was opposed by anti-vaping groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and public health organizations across the state, who lobbied and pressured DeWine for a veto.
Beginning January 1st, 2024, residents in Columbus, Ohio will have to look to other neighboring cities to find flavored tobacco products.