Ohio smoking ban takes effect May 3

COLUMBUS — As expected, health officials submitted the final draft of a statewide indoor smoking ban to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, the last step in the process of implementing the rules.

Kristopher Weiss, a spokesman for Ohio Department of Health, said the rules were turned over on Monday and they take effect May 3, capping months of public comment and a final hearing before the state’s Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review.

Some buildings are exempt from the ban, including certain private residences, designated smoking rooms in lodging facilities and nursing homes, retail tobacco stores, outdoor patios and some family owned and operated businesses.

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