Ohio Smoke-Free Workplace Act now includes e-cigarettes

Last year, Ohio updated the Ohio Smoke-Free Workplace Act to include e-cigarettes. This smoke-free workplace law took effect in 2007 to provide protection from secondhand smoke in all indoor public places, with no mention of e-cigarettes. In September 2021, the Ohio legislature passed legislation to add e-cigarettes to the law. This means that e-cigarettes may not be used at indoor public places, including businesses, restaurants and bars.

“Ohioans are now protected from secondhand e-cigarette exposure in indoor places,” said Mark Adams, MPH, REHS, health commissioner at Lorain County Public Health (LCPH). “LCPH remains committed to helping nicotine users start their quit plan.” 

Adults that want to quit nicotine can call the Ohio Quit line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). Teens who want to quit their vape can text "Start My Quit" to 36072. View a list of local resources at LorainCountyHealth.com/quitnow.

To report a violation of the Smoke-Free Workplace Act, call the Ohio Department of Health at 1-866-559-OHIO. Your name is not needed when filing a complaint.

Now that the regulatory rules have been reviewed and updated, the Ohio Department of Health is taking several steps to educate Ohio businesses on the update to the law. This will include a statewide paid media campaign, as well as outreach to businesses with new signage and information on the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line to help support any employees who are nicotine users.