Posted on 12/09/2006 6:30:22 PM PST by GOP_Lady
Ohio Department of Health Director J. Nick Baird, M.D., today issued the following statement to clear the air over confusion surrounding implementation of Ohio’s indoor smoking ban.
“Despite rumors and some news reports to the contrary, the Ohio smoking ban is alive and well. The law took effect Dec. 7 and remains in effect today. Under the language of the law passed on Nov. 7, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is not able to levy any fines until the enforcement mechanisms are in place. During this implementation period, ODH will follow up on all notices of potential violations with an informational letter reminding businesses of their obligations under the law. This implementation period is NOT a grace period. This implementation period will give Ohio businesses the opportunity to better understand how to comply with the smoking ban. Some 280,000 Ohio businesses, as of Dec. 7, are required to prohibit smoking, remove ashtrays and other smoking receptacles and post no-smoking signs with the number for reporting violations – 866-559-OHIO. Enforcement begins sometime this spring, once the rules are in place. Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved this law, giving me, as the director of health, the responsibility of implementing and enforcing this law. I take this responsibility seriously and assure my fellow Ohioans we will work diligently to fashion equitable enforcement rules that protect Ohioans from the dangers of secondhand smoke.”
The infamous sign to be posted at every public location in the State of Ohio:
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ASSETS/50F0940288AA4C57A44965B6543027FC/NoSmokingColor.pdf
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Not this.
AM
If he took it so seriously, why the heck didn't he have the enforcement rules in place when it took effect?
What a perfect example of power going to people's heads.
It passed with 58% of the votes.
This state of mine is so screwed up. Why would you not have this planned to be ready when the law kicks in or have the law start later when you are sure you are ready. That's what happens with a rush job.
Let me also go on record that it is a stupid law, even though I don't smoke.
That makes no nevermind........the enforcement mechanisms should have been ready to do if it passed....it did, but he wasn't prepared yt expects evryone to adhere to something he is not prepared for - why should anyone else be prepared if the enforcement agent isn't?
Tap, tap, tap. Another nail in the coffin of freedom.
I am a non-smoker as well, and I voted against this law. You could see this mess coming down the road. The ignorance of the Ohio voters never ceases to amaze me.
All of you will be so PROOUD of me! :-) I was in the usual little restauant in downtown Cleveland during the lunch hour. The owner pointed to the "no smoking" sign he had to post and shook his head. Everyone in that little joint heard me say, "Call the number on the sign and report your fellow citizen. NAZIs." (I don't believe I actually did it.)
Good for you.
Nightclubs and taverns will be hardest hit and their patrons will defy the ban. In Appleton, WI, which also banned smoking, bars simply substituted ashtrays for cups of water for smokers to discreetly dispose of their cigarettes.
Folks, the security guards in the building I work in are actually in the underground parking garage (that has a huge ventilation system for clearing exhaust) taking pictures of smokers with Polariod cameras!
What an excellent use of manpower.
Yes, we are located in the tallest building between New York and Chicago. Rather than focusing on security (e.g., car theft, car bombs, etc., etc.), they are focusing on smokers. Gees. Maybe I should call Homeland Security. What do you think?
They'd probably consider you the problem.
It really is sad. I just get what part of PRIVATE PROPERTY the "majority rule" people don't get. I don't have a right to smoke any more than they have a right to purified air everywhere they choose to go.
OPPS I just get
____ should read I just don't get
This is similar to how they did it in Michigan. First, the workplace, with no one really in charge of policing. It was laughable EXCEPT the smokers did take heed and were very good sheep. The law was then extended to smoking areas in restaurants and a Michigan business has even banned smoking of its employees. I have to agree with a person on this site who pointed out this and the article at the below link is just a movement toward DEMAND SIDE HEALTH CARE REDUCTION. See posting #27 and an excellent link at #32. My eyes are now wide open for whatever that matters.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1747325/posts?page=1,20
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