Will the state Stop the smoke?

Publication Date: 2005-03-31

• Author:TODD BONDS
• Publication:Lancaster (OH) Eagle-Gazette

Seventy-six-year old Marge Nugen proudly admits she has been a cigarette smoker for more than 60 years. But the Lancaster resident feels her days of being able to smoke in public are numbered.

"I don't want to be told I can't smoke anywhere," she said. "But I think I will be. I think we're losing a little bit more freedom everyday."

Nugen is one of thousands of smokers in Ohio who may no longer be allowed to smoke in public. Lawmakers are considering a statewide ban of smoking in public places. Several local governments are also considering banning smoking in public because of health risks to non-smokers. Local ordinances won't be necessary if the state adopts a ban.