Lakewood Raises Age To Buy Tobacco, Nicotine Products

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood has raised the age for buying tobacco and nicotine products. Customers at local stores will now need to be 21 years old to buy tobacco products, rather than 18.

Lakewood City Council approved the measure unanimously, becoming the 22nd community in Ohio to pass an age-raising measure for tobacco purchases. Seven states nationwide require customers to be 21 years old to buy tobacco products.

The legislation to make the change was introduced by Ward 3 Councilperson John Litten. He said he brought the ordinance forward in response to a surge in use of alternative nicotine and tobacco products, like e-cigarettes.

“After considering that 95 percent of addicted smokers initiate smoking before age 21 and seeing how similar laws have reduced rates of tobacco use in other communities, I was compelled to bring this proposal before my Council colleagues,” said Litten.

After extensive research by Lakewood City Hall and the Cuyahoga County Health Department, and two committee hearings and three public readings of the legislation, City Council unanimously approved the measure.

Businesses that don't obey the new ordinance will face fines and the revocation of a retailer's permit to sell tobacco and nicotine products, the city said. To enforce the law, the city will partner with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

The Board will reach out to all Lakewood tobacco and nicotine retailers and educate them about the change in requirements, and the changes for required signage.

“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 in a statement released by the city.