Columbus Considers Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products

The Columbus City Council held another hearing on Thursday to discuss a proposed ban on flavored tobacco products.

The ban proposed by the Columbus Public Health Department has detailed the dangers of flavored tobacco products, particularly targeted towards minority and young populations, especially the black community. Dr. Mysheika Roberts, the Columbus Public Health Commissioner, stated that over a quarter of the city's population is made up of smokers and smoking has cost Ohio $8.6 billion in healthcare expenses.

Four of Christopher Columbus's five main causes of death were worsened due to the use of tobacco or electronic cigarettes," said Roberts.

One version of the proposal aims to ban flavored tobacco products starting on January 1, 2024. Additionally, the regulation will increase the retail permit fee from $150 to $350 and modify the civil penalties for retail violations.

For first-time offenses, a fine of $1,000 will be imposed. A second violation will result in a $2,500 fine. A $5,000 fine will be imposed and the remaining time of the permit period, as well as the next permit period, will be forfeited. However, as Columbus lawmakers continue negotiations on the details of the proposal, the exact start date and penalties may change.

Throughout the hearing, small business owners indicated that the ban would have a negative impact on their companies.

John Scott, Manager of Vaporfi, stated during a meeting on November 1st, "The flavor ban will force us to close all of our stores. Our stores have long-term leases and we will be forced to let go of nearly 30 employees. This will undoubtedly result in economic losses for both our business and our employees.

Other commentators are calling for an exemption to the ban specifically targeting shisha bars. Certain businesses, often designed as lounges, use a type of tobacco called shisha that emits a fragrant scent when customers smoke it using a large apparatus.

The committee has been engaged in ongoing dialogue with the community. At a meeting on November 9th, almost 50 people registered to speak on the ban - 28 were in favor, and 18 were opposed.

Columbus City Council member Shayla Favor stated, "We are making every effort to educate ourselves, listen and learn, and then hear from advocates on both sides about how this issue affects them.

2FIRSTS will continue to track and report on this issue, with updates available on the "2FIRSTS APP." Scan the QR code below to download the app.