State Status
No Preemption
Pending Legislation
News Summary
Advocates celebrate smoking ban
Publication Date: 2010-11-19
- Author:Marc Kovac
- Publication:Youngstown (OH) Vindicator
Advocates gathered at the Statehouse on Thursday to celebrate Ohio's ban on smoking in public places and urge restaurants, bars and other locations to abide by the law approved by voters.
"On this day exactly five years ago, the first round of signatures were turned in to the secretary of state's office, marking the beginning of our Smoke Free Ohio initiative," said John Hoctor, vice president of government relations for the American Cancer Society. "A record number of Ohioans are enjoying breathing clean air. More Ohioans are enjoying smoke-free workplaces and public places than ever before."
Hoctor's comments came a couple of days after the 10th District Court of Appeals upheld the statewide ban and resulting fines against a Columbus-area bar that allegedly allowed smoking on its premises.
In November 2006, voters approved the Smoke Free Workplace Act, a statewide smoking ban in public places and workplaces, including bars and restaurants. Enforcement began in May 2007.