Flavored Tobacco Bans: Columbus vs Westerville
How do flavored tobacco bans rules compare between Columbus, OH and Westerville, OH?
Columbus and Westerville have similar restriction levels.
Columbus, OH
Franklin County
Columbus City Code Chapter 2125, adopted in 2024, prohibits the sale of flavored tobacco and vapor products including menthol within city limits. Ohio HB 105 attempted statewide preemption but was struck down, allowing Columbus enforcement.
View full Columbus rules →Westerville, OH
Franklin County
Ohio HB 513 (2022) preempts local flavored tobacco and vapor product bans, reserving sales regulation to the state, with continued legal disputes.
View full Westerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| Local Ordinance | Columbus Code Chapter 2125 | - |
| Effective | 2024 (litigation ongoing) | - |
| Includes Menthol | Yes, all characterizing flavors | - |
| State Attempt | HB 105 preemption blocked | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
Can I buy menthol cigarettes in Columbus?
Not legally inside city limits. Columbus Code Chapter 2125 bans menthol and other flavored tobacco sales since 2024. Some retailers continue pending litigation outcomes, but the ordinance remains enforceable as of 2026.
What about flavored vapes?
Flavored vapor products including fruit, candy, and menthol flavors are prohibited under Columbus Code Chapter 2125. Only tobacco-flavored cartridges and unflavored devices remain legally available within Columbus city limits.
Westerville FAQ
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