Often we see counties, cities, towns and municipalities raise the tobacco purchase age to 21. However, Grandview, OH has taking the measure one step further. If you are under 21 and caught smoking you will be charged with a misdemeanor.
To our knowledge, Grandview, Ohio is the first city in the country that makes it illegal for the user to the point where they will have a criminal records.
The measure passed by a 6-1 vote with one member of the council speaking out against the ban according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Grandview’s City Council approved the ordinance by a vote of 6-1 on Monday night.
The new measure will take place in 30 days and bans the sale to tobacco, liquid nicotine, electronic devices, hookah and smoking related products to those under 21.
Those who violate the law for the first time will receive a warning but a second violation by a retailer will result in a fourth-degree misdemeanor with a possible 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. The underaged smoker could be charged with an unclassified misdemeanor, $100 fine as well as being required to take a smoking-education class and possibly perform 20 hours of community service.
