Ohio - Statewide Smoking Ban

Statewide smoking ban: On December 7, 2006, after passage by Ohio voters on November 7, 2006, Chapter 3794 (titled "Smoking Ban") of the Ohio Revised Code went into effect, banning smoking statewide in all enclosed workplaces in Ohio, including bars and restaurants.

The law exempts (1) private residences except when being used as a business when employees other than the owner are present, (2) designated hotel/motel smoking rooms, (3) family-owned and operated businesses not open to the public where all employees are related to the owner, (4) designated smoking areas in nursing homes, (5) retail tobacco stores, (6) outdoor patios, (7) private clubs with no employees.

The law is enforced by the Ohio Department of Health, which began enforcement on May 3, 2007.

A business may be fined up to $2,500 and individuals $100 for violation of the ban.

Local governments may regulate smoking more stringently than the state.