City of Columbus

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 sanitarian inspection.  A civil fine of $500 will be issued for the 1^st violation.  Second and subsequent violations within 2 years of the 1^st violation will be issued a civil fine of $1,000 per violation.  Violations which occur more than 2 years after a previous violation will not be considered a 2^nd or subsequent violation.