Ohio Tobacco 21 Minimum Sale Age Law

Effective October 17, 2019, Ohio raised the minimum age for purchasing tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products from 18 to 21, aligning with federal Tobacco 21 law. Retailers must verify identification for any purchaser under 30 and may not sell to anyone under 21. Violations carry escalating civil penalties and license action against the retailer. The law does not penalize the underage purchaser but holds the seller accountable, and applies to in-person and online sales.

Retailer violations result in civil penalties from $100 up to $500 per offense plus possible license suspension under ORC 2927.02.