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The Smoking Law: A Year in Review

It has been one year since enforcement for the Ohio Smoke Free Workplace Law went into effect, prohibiting smoking in all indoor public places.

The Lorain County General Health District, who has been managing the enforcement and education of the law within its jurisdiction, feels that the majority of the establishments in Lorain County have chosen to comply with the law. Unfortunately, the health district is still receiving smoking reports for establishments throughout the county. Click here to see how establishments in Lorain County have been doing in comparison to other health jurisdictions throughout Ohio.

Smoking Law Overview

Ohio voters passed Issue 5 on Nov. 7, 2006, creating Ohio’s indoor smoking ban under a new chapter of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) effective Dec. 7, 2006. This new law requires “public places” and “places of employment” prohibit smoking as of that date. These businesses and organizations must also post “No Smoking” signs that contain the telephone number 1-866-559-OHIO (6446) for reporting violations; and remove ashtrays and other smoking receptacles.

Local Health Districts throughout Ohio will be responsible for enforcing the Smoke Free Workplace Law. Enforcement is performed on a complaint basis. The Lorain County General Health District and other Health Departments in Ohio began the enforcement process on May 3, 2007.