CLEVELAND — Thursday marks a new day in Ohio when it comes to smoking.
The age to buy cigarettes, tobacco, and alternative nicotine is now 21.
The new law, called “Tobacco 21,” was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine this summer.
DeWine said about 95% of adult smokers began to smoke before turning 21 and hopes Ohio can help people avoid that habit sooner.
Some business owners are bracing for a dip in sales, especially when it comes to vapor products which have been marketed to customers as tobacco alternatives.
“We are in the business of tobacco harm reduction,” said Randy Burch of Euphoria Vapor in Middleburg Heights. “If they have a nicotine addiction, we are here to help them.”
Other critics say the law falls short when it comes to going after those responsible, specifically the multi-billion-dollar industry that preys on kids.
“Changing the age is definitely a step in the right direction. But these products are marketed to children and they’re highly addictive,” said Lindsay Davis, former Miss Ohio.
On Thursday, Davis was in Washington, DC urging lawmakers to remove flavored tobacco products. Her visit marked the American Heart Association’s “Lobby Day.”
If caught selling tobacco to an underage buyer, a clerk could be subject to a fine of $250 and up to 30 days in jail. Their establishment could be subject to a fine of $2,000.