Ohio Judge Temporarily Blocks State Law Restricting Tobacco Sales

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Apr.22.2024
Ohio Judge Temporarily Blocks State Law Restricting Tobacco Sales
A judge in Franklin County, Ohio, issued a temporary restraining order on a state law banning tobacco sales in cities.

According to the American media "Internewscast" reported on April 24th, Columbus, Ohio is one of the 14 Ohio cities that filed a lawsuit against the tobacco law two weeks ago. On Friday (April 19th), a judge in Franklin County issued a temporary restraining order against the state law that prohibits cities from regulating the sale of tobacco products. The order prevents the law from taking effect before the scheduled preliminary injunction hearing on May 17th. The law was originally scheduled to go into effect on April 23rd after lawmakers overturned the governor's veto of the legislation earlier this year.

 

As a result, the city's tobacco regulations, including the licensing of local tobacco retailers and the ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products within the city, remain in effect. Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein issued a statement praising the judge's decision and calling the regulation "unconstitutional."

 

Klein said, "I commend the court's decision to support the city, and I look forward to demonstrating to the public that this regulation is not only unconstitutional, but also a harmful policy that threatens public health and undermines our progress in restricting tobacco use, especially among youth smokers."

 

Columbus is not the only city involved in this case, as 14 cities including Bexley, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dublin, Galena, Grandview Heights, Heath, Hilliard, Oakwood, Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington, Whitehall, and Worthington have joined together to file a lawsuit over the matter.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China’s Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration have announced adjustments to export tax rebate policies, placing nicotine-containing non-combustible inhalation products within the scope of items subject to rebate cancellation. The measures will take effect from April 1, 2026.
Regulations
Jan.10
Russia’s St. Petersburg Sets Up Working Group to Consider Citywide Vape Sales Ban
Russia’s St. Petersburg Sets Up Working Group to Consider Citywide Vape Sales Ban
Russia’s St. Petersburg legislature has formed a working group to explore tougher controls on vape trade and sales, including the option of a citywide sales ban. The group is set to convene on Jan. 26 with participation from lawmakers, civil society and law enforcement. The move comes as Russia’s federal authorities continue to debate legislation that could allow regions to impose their own restrictions on vapes.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | GEEKBAR Adds Two High-Puff Devices to Its Website: Clio Platinum 50K Goes on Sale in the U.S., SOMAX 80K Expands to the Middle East
Product | GEEKBAR Adds Two High-Puff Devices to Its Website: Clio Platinum 50K Goes on Sale in the U.S., SOMAX 80K Expands to the Middle East
Vape brand GEEKBAR has listed two products on its official website—the Geek Bar Clio Platinum 50K and the GEEKBAR SOMAX 80K. The Clio Platinum 50K has already launched across U.S. online retailers, with pricing around US$23.99. The SOMAX 80K is positioned for the Middle East market and had previously been sold in Canada under the name “STLTH X GEEK BAR 80K.”
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alabama Senate Passes SB9 to Ban Vaping in Indoor Public Places
Alabama Senate Passes SB9 to Ban Vaping in Indoor Public Places
Alabama’s Senate approved SB9 by a 31–1 vote, expanding existing indoor smoking restrictions to include vaping in a wide range of public places. The bill keeps the current $25 fine, renames the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act, and now heads to the House. If enacted, it would take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kazakhstan’s Astana Baikonur District Fines Illegal Smokeless Tobacco Sales Over USD 5,800
Kazakhstan’s Astana Baikonur District Fines Illegal Smokeless Tobacco Sales Over USD 5,800
Authorities in Astana’s Baikonur District have intensified enforcement against illegal smokeless tobacco and related products in 2025. Police conducted 59 inspection raids, identifying 63 cases of illegal sales of smokeless tobacco (nasvay). Total fines imposed reached KZT 3,096,450(approximately USD 5,880). Officials said inspections and preventive outreach will continue.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Research describes e-cigarettes as a “first gateway” for ages 15–20, linked to appearance and flavors
Thai Research describes e-cigarettes as a “first gateway” for ages 15–20, linked to appearance and flavors
A Thai report says Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Santi Piyatat is advancing efforts toward a vape-free society. On Jan. 12, a seminar at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation’s learning center presented a study covering six regions of Thailand on spending related to cigarettes and e-cigarettes and the behavior of different smoker groups.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai