Ohio voters passed an indoor smoking ban in November 2006, with the law taking effect on May 3, 2007. Keeping smoke out of buildings may be easy enough, but complying with the law outdoors is another matter.
“Last year, we had a couple mulch fires,” said Sinclair Community College police officer Mike Coss. “We also notice black marks on the outside walls from people putting butts out.”
There is an easy way to know what areas have been designated for smoking.
“If there’s no ashtray, you can’t smoke there,” said Coss.
The law may have been written with public health concerns in mind, but students should also be aware of time, money and effort it takes to clean up stray cigarette butts.
“It makes campus ugly with all those butts and black marks on the side of buildings,” said Coss.
Smokers are not the only ones who need to be aware of the ban.
“The same rules apply for smokeless tobacco,” said Coss.
The Ohio law says smoking is prohibited within 10 feet of any entrance.
Coss wanted to stress that enforcement of the law should not be taken personally.
“We are not trying to harass anyone – it’s the college’s policy,” said Coss.
Police generally issue a warning to smokers outside the designated areas, but a citation and fine of $100 is a possibility.