OOPS: Columbus nicotine flavoring ban not working out

Just over two years ago, Columbus instituted a ban on selling flavored nicotine products– tobacco, yes, but also vapor and those trendy little  nicotine pouches like ZYN.

Opponents of the ban warned that it might not pass legal muster in Ohio, and that even if it did, it might not actually work.

Fast forward to May 2026 and, well, it looks like it’s… not working.

From Hoodline:

An undercover investigation recently found flavored vape liquids and other prohibited products on shelves across the city, revealing a stubborn gap between what the ordinance says and what customers can still walk out with. Some retailers say they cleared out flavored inventory to avoid trouble, while others continue to sell disposable vapes, leaving public-health officials and shop owners squarely at odds.

As reported by CW Columbus, ABC6 On Your Side’s undercover team bought flavored vape liquid at multiple locations in Columbus and aired the findings on May 20. The station’s reporting includes on-camera purchases and interviews with store owners that show a patchwork of compliance, from full removal of flavored stock to continued sales of items that fall squarely under the city ban.

OK, so admittedly, the legality– or illegality– of the ban is still playing out in court. Some retailers are obviously operating on the assumption that the ban will not pass legal muster. But more than likely, a bunch know it will stand up and just know that even with Columbus throwing a lot of resources at enforcement, there’s still a solid chance they can carry on and make bank.

At the end of the day, people want flavored products– especially if they used to smoke menthol cigarettes and have now switched to mint vapor or ZYN.

In short, wherever the ban lands in the courts, this is already looking like a lot of buck for very minimal bang, especially since the latest National Youth Tobacco Survey shows that minors’ use of vapor and ZYN is low and declining.