Ohio House Rejects Governor’s Position, Leaving Future of Flavored Tobacco Ban Unclear

The Ohio House voted to challenge the governor's veto of the smoking ban bill.

According to a report from the Cincinnati Enquirer, on December 13, the Ohio House of Representatives voted to override Governor Mike DeWine's veto, who has long sought a statewide ban on flavored tobacco and flavored e-cigarette products, claiming they are marketed to children. The purpose of the bill is to prevent cities from implementing bans on flavored tobacco.

This move marks the latest effort by Republican lawmakers to stop local regulations on flavored tobacco products (including menthol flavors). The city of Columbus is preparing to ban the sale of flavored tobacco next month, while Cincinnati, Dayton, and Cleveland are also considering similar proposals. Supporters argue that this is necessary to reduce youth vaping.

At the end of 2022, when the Columbus City Council voted to ban the sale of such cigarette products, lawmakers first passed a bill to prevent local bans and included the same proposal in the state's two-year budget.

However, Governor DeWine has vetoed this measure twice, stating that the state should support all resolutions aimed at protecting the lives of young Ohioans.

Currently, cities in Ohio can still ban flavored tobacco. The Senate also needs to override DeWine's veto, but it is unclear if they will do so.