Ohio Cities Sue State Over Tobacco Regulation Ban
Fourteen Ohio cities, including Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, challenge a new state law that prevents them from enacting local tobacco policies, arguing it violates their home-rule rights.
- More than a dozen Ohio cities have filed a lawsuit against a state law that bars them from imposing local tobacco regulations, claiming it infringes on their constitutional home-rule rights.
- The law, recently enacted despite a veto from Governor Mike DeWine, prohibits cities from banning flavored tobacco, a move critics say benefits big tobacco at the expense of public health.
- Columbus, which already has a ban on flavored tobacco, leads the lawsuit, seeking to prevent the state law from taking effect later this month.
- Officials argue that local control over tobacco sales is crucial for addressing public health needs, particularly in combating youth nicotine addiction.
- The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction and a permanent order to stop the enforcement of the state law, with a court decision expected soon.
Cleveland Plain Dealer 