City of Columbus files lawsuit against Hilliard vape shop after sales to minors, more

The city of Columbus has filed a lawsuit against the owners of a Hilliard vape shop that has shown a “flagrant disregard for tobacco regulations.”

According to a press release from the office of Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein, Smoke House–which is located at 5439 Roberts Rd. in Hilliard–has continued to sell flavored vape products despite the city’s recent ban again them, and has made multiple sales to minors.

Klein’s office has worked closely with the Columbus Department of Public Health (CPH) in the case. CPH has conducted at least eight underage tobacco purchases from Smoke House in recent years, and has purchased illegal flavored vapes multiple times since the city’s ban on them went into effect.

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“This case exemplifies why it’s important for local health departments to monitor compliance with tobacco regulations. CPH has the capacity to ensure the law is followed. This isn’t something we should ask law enforcement to spend limited resources on. The legislature overstepped on this issue, and we will continue to fight to protect the health and safety of our youth and the public,” said Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. “Thanks to CPH, we built this case, and every option remains on the table as we look to hold owners accountable.”

Additionally, CPH has received community tips that the store sells illicit cannabis products.

In October, Smoke House was notified that the city intended to revoke their tobacco sales license, and one week later, CPH received an application for a tobacco license from a group looking to take over the Smoke House space called Smoke House Plus.

“Tobacco retailers cannot repeatedly break the law and then turn around, swap in a new operator, and dodge penalties. That’s not how this works,” Property Action Team Attorney Sophie Yano said in a press release.

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