TITLE
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING CHAPTER 737 OF THE GAHANNA CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO ESTABLISH THE TOBACCO PRODUCTS SALES LICENSING PROGRAM
BODY
WHEREAS, after decades of decline in cigarette smoking rates, we have seen a recent dramatic rise in the use of e-cigarettes by children and teens leading to a new generation of tobacco products addicting a new generation of users to tobacco and nicotine; and
WHEREAS, 90 percent of smokers first try a tobacco product by age 18; and
WHEREAS, requiring a minimum distance between tobacco retailers has been shown to reduce overall tobacco retailer density, especially in dense, low-income, urban communities; and
WHEREAS, a high density of tobacco retailers has been associated with earlier initiation of tobacco use and with increased youth smoking rates, and
WHEREAS, the presence of tobacco in retail settings normalizes the use of tobacco products and triggers smoking urges among former smokers and those attempting to quit; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gahanna desires to ensure proper training and enforcement of the restrictions on the sales of nicotine-containing products to those under the age of 21; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gahanna and other communities have established similar licensing programs for the sale of tobacco and related products to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That Chapter 737 of the Gahanna Codified Ordinances, entitled “TOBACCO PRODUCT SALES” is hereby adopted as set forth in EXHIBIT A, attached hereto and made a part herein.
Section 2. That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect after passage by this Council and 30 days after the date of signature of approval by the Mayor.