Franklin County Public Health is disappointed in today’s vote by the Ohio Senate to join the Ohio House in their decision to override Governor DeWine’s veto of HB33 that protected local control of tobacco enforcement policies. Today’s vote has implications that extend much further than flavored tobacco, it impacts more than 30 years of health improvements in our state. The decision today prevents us from enforcing Tobacco 21 age of sale laws, it removes protection from secondhand smoke regulation in public parks, public playground and sporting events and negates all regulation and zoning laws that determined tobacco retailing near schools and playgrounds.
Ohioans have overwhelmingly supported and accepted tobacco ordinances developed and implemented at the local level. These policies have been supported and championed by parents, schools, community groups and science. They were enacted to help fight the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes and protect our children. Today’s decision not only puts our children at risk it will have a disproportionately negative impact lower income communities and communities of color. It is not only irresponsible, it is inequitable.
While today’s decision was a setback, we are proud of the work our local communities have done over the past several years to protect their citizens from the life-long impact of tobacco use. We offer our sincere thanks to our cities, school districts and partners for their continued support. We will continue to empower our communities in their tobacco cessation efforts and we will remain dedicated to improving the public health of our residents through education, policies, programs and partnerships.