Ohio House Overrides Veto of Local Flavor Ban Bill
Credit: Andy Dean
Localities in Ohio will not be allowed to enact flavor bans for nicotine products.
The Ohio House voted to override Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto of legislation prohibiting cities from imposing flavored tobacco bans.
The move marked the latest effort by lawmakers to block local regulation of flavored tobacco products, including menthol.
Columbus is preparing to ban the sale of flavored tobacco starting next month, and Cincinnati, Dayton and Cleveland are considering similar proposals, according to Cincinnati.com.
The vote also highlighted divisions between DeWine and legislative leaders on the issue that have persisted for months. Veto overrides are rare because they require more votes in the House and Senate.
Anti-tobacco groups say these bans are necessary to reduce teen vaping. Officials in the House and Senate contend the state should have uniform guidelines and say the legislation will protect small businesses.