American Cancer Society to Ohio Lawmakers: Ban Indoor Smoking by May

Publication Date: 2005-03-11

• Author:Josh Cable
• Publication:Occupational Hazards

The American Cancer Society is boldly trying to hold a flame to Ohio lawmakers in hopes of making Ohio the eighth state to ban smoking in businesses and public places.

The organization on March 10 gave Ohio lawmakers an ultimatum: Ban smoking before May 3 -- the date of primary elections in the Buckeye State -- or the group will begin a grassroots campaign to collect 100,000 signatures, which it would to submit to state legislators next January to put a smoke-free ordinance before the General Assembly.

"Right now, the American Cancer Society is working to change Ohio's future," said Don McClure, chief executive officer of the Ohio Division of the American Cancer Society. "We are asking for your help to make Ohio smoke-free. Help stop Ohioans from dying from second-hand smoke. Help protect every Ohio worker and customer."