On November 7, 2006, Issue 5 passed with the support of 2.2 million Ohioans and won the support of the majority of voters in 72 counties. Issue 4 was defeated in every county. This was a resounding victory for SmokeFreeOhio and a historic step towards improving the health of Ohio workers and customers.

The Smoke Free Workplace law has ensured that all businesses will operate under the same set of rules. One fair, statewide standard has been easy to enforce and has made it easy for employees and customers to know what to expect. Even business owners who opposed local ordinances support one, comprehensive statewide law. Creating lists of exemptions fails to protect workers and creates an uneven playing field.

The best thing we can do as supporters right now is to continue going out to our favorite establishments and letting them know how much we enjoy their smoke-free businesses.

Read the text of the SmokeFreeOhio law.