Cincinnati requires a local tobacco retail license under CMC Chapter 891, raised the sales age to 21 in 2017, and continues enforcement despite Ohio HB 513 preempting tougher local flavor rules.
Cincinnati was an early Tobacco 21 city, adopting CMC Chapter 891 in 2017 to require a city-issued tobacco retail license, set the minimum sales age at 21, and authorize compliance checks. Federal Tobacco 21 followed in 2019. Ohio HB 513 (2024) preempted local flavor bans and stricter standards, but Cincinnati retains licensing, signage, and enforcement authority. Retailers must post age-of-sale signs, train staff, and keep their license available for inspection. Repeated sales to minors trigger escalating fines and possible license suspension or revocation by the city.
Selling tobacco without a license, selling to anyone under 21, or failing required signage can result in fines, license suspension, or revocation.
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