Ohio Cities Win Spat With State Over Local Tobacco Laws (1)

A judge on Friday said a new Ohio law that scuttles restrictions on local tobacco sales is unconstitutional as to more than 20 cities, including the state’s three largest.

The ruling from Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Mark A. Serrott means that those cities that sued the state, the state Department of Health, and the department’s director can continue to enforce their restrictions. He enjoined the law—which effectively bars local tobacco regulations—as to the cities that sued, while those that didn’t sue are unaffected.

The 21 cities, which include Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus, have said they need the ability to ...