The City of Ashtabula, Ohio's Board of Health has determined that youth addiction to tobacco products is a public health problem with grave health consequences. Research indicates that approximately ninety-five percent (95%) of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn twenty-one (21). Evidence suggests that nicotine use during adolescence and young adulthood has long term impacts on brain development and tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the US. In recognition of the Surgeon General's conclusion that nicotine is as addictive as cocaine or heroin, action is needed to curtail the easy access to cigarettes and other tobacco products to under age youth. Therefore, the purpose of this regulation is to implement a strict and enforceable system to prevent the illegal sale of cigarettes and other tobacco and vapor products to persons under twenty-one (21) years of age.
(Ord. 2019-125. Passed 11-4-19.)