Ohio gets failing grades for controlling smoking

COLUMBUS — The head of the Mahoning County District Board of Health is not surprised that Ohio received failing grades for its efforts to control smoking.

And health Commissioner Matthew Stefanak said he also is not surprised the state got an “A” for having smoke-free air in public places.

The state has had a ban on smoking in most indoor places since 2007, which Stefanak said is one of the most comprehensive in the country.

In most Ohio communities, including Mahoning County, he said the public health department is the enforcement agency.

“We are still vigorously enforcing the smoking ban law and we’re getting good compliance. The number of complaints have dwindled,” he said.

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