Enforcement and Fines
How will Tobacco 21
be enforced in the City of Columbus?
Inspections
will be conducted for all locations that hold a Retail Tobacco and Paraphernalia Sales License
and at least once during the event for all Temporary Retail Tobacco and Paraphernalia Sales Licenses.
These inspections will consist of two parts: a secret shopper that will attempt
an underage purchase and a sign inspection. A civil fine of $1,000 will be issued for the 1st
violation. A second violation within two years of the first violation will be issued a civil fine of $5,000 per violation. For a third and all subsequent violations within two years of an initial violation, a fine of $10,000 per violation and license revocation for the business will be issued. Any violations which occur more than two years after a previous violation will not be considered a second or subsequent violation.