Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2006 00:10:56 -0000
Subject: [ohiosmokersrights] OHIO Opponents of smoking ban offer alternative
OHIO Opponents of smoking ban offer alternative
Proposal includes list of exceptions
Source: Toledo (OH) Blade, 2006-04-08
Author: BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU
Intro:
Seeking to stamp out a ballot question that would enact a statewide
ban on smoking in nearly all indoor public places, a coalition of
bars, restaurants, and other businesses yesterday launched plans to
put their alternative before voters.
The coalition submitted proposed language for a constitutional
amendment to Attorney General Jim Petro, a necessary step before
asking more than 320,000 registered voters to sign petitions to place
the proposed amendment on the ballot. The proposal would exempt from
the ban bars, restaurants with separate smoking areas, bowling alleys,
bingo parlors, adult establishments, racetracks, tobacco retail
establishments, specially designated smoking rooms in hotels and
nursing homes, and any private residence or facility not open to the
public.
It would also override smoking bans enacted in 21 communities in the
state, including Toledo.
"Our coalition has conducted several polls that show that when offered
a choice between a total ban and a measure that contains common-sense
exemptions, the majority of Ohioans support a reasonable smoking
policy," said Jacob Evans of the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association.
A near-total ban on smoking in enclosed public places proposed by
SmokeFreeOhio does not involve a constitutional amendment.