The Akron City Council adopted a Tobacco to 21 ordinance on April 16 that, when signed by the mayor, will be effective immediately.

The Summit County Combined General Health District is charged with implementing the ordinance and will focus on educating and registering retailers before fines or violations are issued. An enforcement date will be announced after the Health District completes the retail outreach and education.

The ordinance applies to all tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, including related components, parts and accessories and any e-liquid or other substance, whether or not it contains nicotine, intended to be used in the device. The ordinance also covers “tobacco product paraphernalia”, including but not limited to pipes, rolling papers and e-cigarette cases.

Secret shoppers will be part of the enforcement plan and first time offenders will receive a warning, second offenses will have a $500 fine and subsequent offenses will have a $1000 fine.

In addition to Akron, the following Ohio municipalities have also adopted Tobacco to 21 ordinances: Dublin, Powell, Euclid, Columbus, Cleveland, New Albany, Grandview Heights, Bexley and Upper Arlington.