Preemption Clause

The judge ruled that Ohio’s recently-passed ban on city’s banning flavored tobacco products is unconstitutional. The state is expected to appeal.

While Columbus’ existing flavored tobacco ban will no longer be enforceable as of April 24, the fight over the law may not be done.

The bill would prevent local governments from enacting laws related to tobacco and vaping products that are stricter than state laws, i.e. only the state would be able to ban the sales of flavored cigars.

This is the second time this year that Gov. Mike DeWine has vetoed language passed by the Ohio General Assembly that would have prevented cities from introducing stricter laws regarding tobacco.