Most Ohioans support smoking ban

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS — Most Ohioans say they knew they were voting for an outright ban on smoking in public places two years ago, and they don’t favor proposed legislation that would allow customers to light up in clubs, bowling alleys and other workplaces.

That’s according to a survey of 600 registered voters conducted last month on behalf of Smoke Free Ohio, the group that campaigned to pass the citizen-initiated smoking ban during the November 2006 general election.

Supporters of the issue spoke out against Senate Bill 346 during a Statehouse press conference. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Robert Schuler, a Republican from southwestern Ohio, would exempt family-owned businesses, those operating in freestanding buildings, outdoor patios and private clubs.

The legislation, which has not yet had a first hearing before a Senate committee, would undo bans put into place by the 2006 ballot issue and allow smoking in most restaurants and bars, many offices, bowling alleys and stores and some factories, according to Smoke Free Ohio.

A majority of those surveyed about the issue said all workers should be protected from secondhand smoke in the workplace (84 percent), with 74 percent supporting the smoking ban in bars and 72 percent in private clubs.