Smoking ban hits 3-year mark

Publication Date: 2010-05-24

• Author:Jacob Lammers
• Publication:Willoughby (OH) News-Herald

After three years of a statewide smoking ban, incidents of smoking in public places are going down, at least in Lake County.

In November 2006, 2.2 million Ohioans voted to pass the Smoke-Free Workplace Act, making Ohio the 12th state at the time to enforce a smoking ban in all enclosed public spaces. Now 26 states have such a law.

"We've had a 64 percent reduction in complaints from the first year to the third year," said Ron Graham, deputy health commissioner of the Lake County General Health District.

"We are satisfied with our progress and are glad to see so many Lake County work and public places in compliance with this law."...

Under a contract with the Ohio Department of Health, Lake County General Health District will continue to enforce the smoking ban until June 30. Following the end of the contract, the two parties will determine which entity will continue enforcement.