Ohio cities file lawsuit challenging ban on tobacco regulations

• It seeks to block the state law, which is scheduled to take effect April 23.
• Cleveland and Cincinnati joined the lawsuit, alongside Oxford and 10 Columbus suburbs, including Bexley, where Gov. Mike DeWine resides.

Catch up quick: The city of Columbus banned flavored tobacco products in late 2022, but the Ohio legislature shortly thereafter passed legislation prohibiting cities from enforcing stricter tobacco laws than the state's.

• The law is yet another in a series of preemptive laws that have aborted or invalidated policies in Ohio's cities.
• DeWine vetoed the bill in January, but the legislature overrode his veto.

What they're saying: "Preventing cities like Columbus from banning flavored tobacco is as egregious as it is irresponsible," Mayor Andrew Ginther said in a statement.

• "We all want a safe and healthy future for our families, and we need access to the tools granted to us by the Ohio Constitution to protect the most vulnerable among us."