LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Lakewood is joining 21 other communities in Ohio by raising the age to buy tobacco and nicotine products in the city.
Last Monday, Lakewood City Council unanimously voted to raise the minimum age from 18 to 21.
Lakewood joins seven states and over 450 municipalities across the country who have passed similar laws since 2015, according to a press release.
“This change strikes the right balance by raising the age, but also decriminalizing our enforcement. Council worked hard to make sure that this law isn’t about punishing small businesses or kids, but is instead about making a meaningful difference in the health of our community and our young people’s future,” Council President Sam O’Leary said.
The new ordinance imposes fines and the possibility to revoke a retailer's permit to sell those products if they fail to comply.
