After weeks of public hearings, Columbus City Council is expected to vote Monday on whether or not to ban flavored tobacco and menthol products from being sold within city limits.
Introduced in late October, supporters of the proposed ban include Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts, who said such flavors are used to hook young people and people of color on nicotine.
Some small business owners have been vocal opponents of the measure. They said a ban on flavored tobacco products would harm their profits, force them to reduce staff and push customers to neighboring cities. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, who also supports the ban, has been working with leaders in neighboring cities including Bexley to try to expand the reach of the ban.
If approved by council, the ban would take effect 30 days after receiving the mayor's approval.
