Health officials back changes to Springfield tobacco retailer licensing; commissioners note state preemption risk

The Springfield City Commission considered and advanced an amendment to the city's tobacco retailer licensing ordinance during second reading, a public-health measure commissioners said would reduce youth access to tobacco and nicotine products.

Clark County Health Commissioner Chris Cook testified in support of the amendment, calling retailer licensing an evidence-based tool to limit youth access. Cook cited local youth behavior survey results: "In our recently published youth risk behavior survey... 10% of students reported in middle and high school that they tried a cigarette and 19% have tried a vape at some point in time," he told the commission, adding the raw numbers translated to roughly 600 students trying cigarettes and more than 1,100 trying vapes in the county sample discussed.

During commissioner remarks the potential for statewide preemption surfaced: commissioners warned that the tobacco industry has challenged similar local controls at the state level and that the Ohio Supreme Court is reviewing related questions about home-rule authority. One commissioner urged continuing to defend local home-rule authority because local governments are best positioned to set rules for their communities.

The ordinance amendment proceeded on second reading with commissioner comment and public-health testimony; the commission recorded a roll-call vote on the second reading and advanced the measure as read.