COLUMBUS – From now on, if anyone under 21 asks you for a cigarette, just say no.
As of Thursday, Ohio has joined 17 other states that have raised the minimum age for tobacco products from 18 to 21.
The law signed in July by Gov. Mike DeWine also makes it illegal to give tobacco products — including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes and vaping accessories — to someone under 21.
The law also applies to rolling papers, filters and other smoking and vaping accessories.
Violations could lead to penalties for both the seller and buyer.
National statistics have shown Ohio has one of the highest rates of adult smokers at just over 21percent and supporters of the change say the new law is intended to help prevent children from becoming smokers.
“Raising the sales age for tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 means that those who can legally obtain these products are less likely to be in the same social networks as high school students,” said Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health.
A clerk who sells tobacco or alternative nicotine products to a person under 21 and the owner of the retail store where it is sold may face criminal penalties.
A first offense is a misdemeanor and the a clerk could spend up to 30 days in jail and pay a fine of up to $250 and the retail establishment is subject to a fine of $2,000.