Noble Maseru, Ph.D., MPH
Health Commissioner
Board of Health
City of Cincinnati

NEWS RELEASE

Date:          October 27, 2006
Contact:      Bernadette Watson 
                  Public Information Officer 
                  Ph: 513-357-7291  Fax: 513-357-7290    
                 Bernadette.Watson@cincinnati-oh.gov

Ohio Revised Code Prohibits Smoking in Public Places and Places of Employment

The passage of Issue 5 will enact Chapter 3794 of the Ohio Revised Code to restrict smoking in places
of employment and most places open to the public.

There is a clear documented evidence that the use of tobacco is harmful to the user's health and the smoke from smoking tobacco has a detrimental health affect on those within the same environment.

The proposed law will: 

*  Prohibits smoking in public places and places of employment

*  Exempt from the smoking restrictions certain locations, including private residence, (except during the
    hours that the residence operates as a place of business involving non-residents of the private
    residence), designated smoking rooms in hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities, designated
    smoking areas for nursing home residents, retail tobacco stores, outdoor patios, private clubs,
    and family owned and operated places of business 
   
*  Authorized a uniform statewide minimum starndard to protect workers and the public from
    secondhand tobacco smoke 

*  Allow for the declaration of an establishment, facility, or outdoor area as non-smoking 

*  Require the posting of "No Smoking" signs, and the removal of all ashtrays and similar receptacles
    from any area where smoking is prohibited 

*  Specify the duties of the Department of Health to enforce the smoking restrictions 

*  Create in the state treasury the "Smoke Free Indoor Air Fund" 

*  Provide for the enforcement of the smoking restrictions and for the imposition of civil fines upon
    anyone who violates the smoking restrictions

Within the next 6 months, J. Nick Baird, M.D., Director, Ohio Deparment of Health will officially announce
rules for the Cincinnati Health Department and designees will be assigned to implement and enforce this law.

Dr. Noble Maseru, Health Commissioner stated, "Until provided with delegated authority by the Ohio Deparment of Health, the Board of Health will continue to enforce Cincinnati Municipal Code 611 which was made effective April 13, 2005."