ODH Seeks Comment on Proposed Smoking Ban Rules

The Ohio Department of Health is seeking comment on draft rules designed to implement the statewide smoking ban that voters approved Nov.7. The proposed rules, which are based on the voter-initiated statute, prohibit smoking in most public places while enumerating certain exemptions. The draft rules also describe required “No Smoking” signs and detail where and how they should be posted. Proposed penalties for those in violation of the rules begin with a warning letter and increase to a $2500 fine for the fifth, or final violation. A copy of the rules may be obtained at the ODH Web site at www.odh.ohio.gov/alerts/ohiosmokingban.aspx