More than 20 Lorain County stores sold tobacco products to an underage informant

LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - Lorain County Public Health (LCPH) officials said they recently had an informant visit stores to see if they would sell tobacco products to an underage minor.

This is to monitor if the Tobacco 21 Law is being followed.

According to LCPH, the informant went to 78 stores between December 2025 and February 2026.

A total of 22 clerks sold tobacco products, including, traditional cigarettes, electronic vapes, and modern nicotine pouches, to the informant.

“The results tell us where to support and educate on Tobacco 21. It raised the legal age to buy tobacco to 21 back in 2019,” said Mark Adams, MPH, REHS, health commissioner at LCPH. “By working together to keep these products age-appropriate, we can reduce the risk of lifelong addiction and chronic health issues for the next generation of Lorain County residents,” said Adams.

No fines or tickets were issued this time.