30 cited because of smoking ban

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

COLUMBUS — A total of 30 businesses and others have been fined for allowing smoking on their premises since a statewide ban began being enforced earlier this year.

None of them was in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties.

The list, compiled by the Ohio Department of Health and provided by spokesman Kristopher Weiss, includes 12 veterans or social clubs.

Each location was fined $100, the second violation level among enforcement actions that can be taken against businesses found guilty of allowing smoking.

Statewide, more than 400 businesses and clubs also have received warning letters.

The letters represented the first level of enforcement action against locations found guilty of violating the smoking ban.

Last November, voters approved a ballot issue prohibiting smoking in public places. Enforcement rules took effect in May, requiring business owners and managers to take reasonable steps to stop patrons from lighting up.

Violators face fines of up to $2,500.