Smoking-ban complaints drop

COLUMBUS (AP) — State health officials say complaints filed against businesses for violating Ohio’s smoking ban are dropping, a sign that more bars and restaurants are following the law.

The Dayton Daily News reported Sunday that since enforcement began, the number of complaints has dropped from 21,604 in 2007 to 9,228 in 2009.

The newspaper’s analysis showed that over three years, about 3,300 complaints involved businesses in Montgomery County, which includes Dayton. Only Cuyahoga and Hamilton counties have had more complaints.

Ohio is one of 19 states with full smoking bans in workplaces, restaurants and bars. Bans take effect later this year in Michigan and Wisconsin.

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