Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Stops Legislation to Prevent Cities from Regulating Sales of Tobacco

The Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, once again vetoed the proposal to "oppose the regulation of flavored tobacco and other nicotine products sales" and urged Ohio on state-wide ban of the sale of flavored tobacco and other nicotine products.

The proposal has been included in the Ohio budget bill, while DeWine, in his veto statement, cited estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that 480,000 Americans die each year from smoking-related lung diseases, and that tobacco and other nicotine products increase healthcare costs in the state.

He further stated that the marketing of flavored tobacco products usually targets underage individuals.

Devon stated in the declaration:

"In the absence of an effective and comprehensive statewide flavored tobacco ban (including menthol) − which is the administration's preferred policy approach − local government bans are essential because they reduce access to flavored tobacco and nicotine alternative products and interrupt the cycle of addiction"

In January 2023, Devin vetoed a bill that aimed to prohibit the sale of menthol tobacco and candy-flavored e-cigarettes. He even held a press conference with health officials to issue a warning, asserting that flavored products exacerbated the "epidemic" of youth smoking and e-cigarette use.

Previously, the Columbus City Council in Ohio had prohibited the sale of menthol tobacco and other related products.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther expressed his stance following Devlin's previous veto.

"Constitutional home rule allows us to do what is best for our residents. This veto is a positive step for the children of Columbus."

The recent rejection has also received praise from public health advocates. Those in favor of the ban on flavored tobacco argue that sporadic local regulations are insufficient, and that the regulation of tobacco products should be a statewide matter.

Reference:【1】DeWine again vetoes legislation to block cities from regulating tobacco sales