Smoking issue sparks competing measures

COLUMBUS (AP) -- Proponents of a ballot measure to ban smoking in Ohio offices, bars and restaurants handed 185,000 signatures to the secretary of state Friday, but the measure could be rendered meaningless if voters also approve a competing state constitutional amendment in November.
The signatures collected by the nonprofit SmokeFreeOhio coalition are close to double the 96,870 required by state law to get on the ballot. The measure would ask voters to approve a law outlawing smoking in places of employment and most enclosed public areas.
But a competing alliance, Smoke Less Ohio, is also gathering signatures for a constitutional amendment that would ban smoking in most businesses but would exempt bars, bowling alleys and fraternal halls and allow restaurants to have smoking sections.
The amendment would supersede the SmokeFreeOhio-sponsored law, if both are approved, and would also rollback local smoking bans. Smoke Less Ohio is well on its way to gathering the 323,000 signatures required by its Aug. 9 deadline, spokesman Jacob Evans said.
SmokeFreeOhio's Web site lists the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association as two of its backers while Smoke Less Ohio counts R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as a supporter, as well as the Ohio Restaurant Association, the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association and others.
A SmokeFreeOhio radio ad urged voters not to sign Smoke Less Ohio's petition. Executive director Tracy Sabetta said Smoke Less Ohio chose its similar-sounding name to confuse voters.
Evans said that allegation is not true and that the ad shows SmokeFreeOhio is worried Smoke Less Ohio's proposal will get on the ballot.
"Please don't be fooled," Sabetta said in the ad. "If you are asked to sign a smoke-free petition, keep your pen in your pocket."