Ohio Revised Code §2927.02 prohibits the sale of tobacco, vapor, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21, aligning with federal Tobacco 21 law; Cleveland Department of Public Health enforces locally.
Ohio Revised Code §2927.02 was updated in 2019 to set the legal sales age for tobacco, electronic cigarettes, vapor products, and alternative nicotine products at 21, matching the federal Tobacco 21 law signed December 2019. Retailers must verify ID for any purchaser appearing under 30, with civil penalties escalating for repeat violations. Ohio also requires a tobacco retail license under ORC §5743.71, with the Department of Taxation as primary licensor and Cleveland Department of Public Health and the Ohio Investigative Unit conducting compliance checks. Cleveland follows state minimum age — local stricter rules are partially preempted.
Selling to under-21 buyers, failing to check ID, or selling without a valid tobacco license can trigger fines, license suspension, and criminal misdemeanor charges under §2927.02.
Cleveland, OH
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Cleveland, OH
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See how Cleveland's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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