Since the Smoke Free law passed in Ohio, where am I actually allowed to smoke now?

Question

Am I allowed to smoke outside? In my car? On my porch? Etc. The things I have looked up have not really clarified it for me.

But say I am... walking into a store from my car, am I allowed to smoke in the parking lot? Or in general outside?

Answer 1

Louisiana

Answer 2

I live in Ohio as well, I voted for issue 5 and am a strong advocate of it. No, it may not be fair for people who do smoke but in the same breath it is not fair to non smokers to breath in second hand smoke. I grew up in a home where both parents and my sister smoked (i am a nonsmoker) All I can remember is the house filled with smoke and wanting to gag all the time from the smell. I get real bad headaches from the second hand smoke and hate eating in restaurants with that smell. Yes, there is a separate section for smokers and non smokers but have you ever noticed that there is no barrier to stop the smoke? Sometimes the sections are right next to each other. Same situation in bars. Going out i have to leave early because my eyes begin to burn and i get sick. All in all, i am sorry that you have to be told that you are not allowed to smoke-there could have been a better solution but this law is the closest anyone has come in years. By the way, Ohio has a 1-800 number that they call the Tobacco Quit Line that helps guide smokers to quitting. If you have medical insurance many of the patches, gums, and other forms of treatment are now covered. Look into it if you are serious about wanting to kick the habit.

Answer 3

Your own home, your own car, a designated outdoor smoking area at your place of work, in a smoking hotel room, any designated outdoor area for smoking purposes, certain private clubs that could allow smoking, any outdoor area which is not public.

To the people who want to move:

There are at least 14 states that have similar smoking laws right now. and that's only so far. You might have to move to Guatemala or something.

By the way, the full text of the law is here if you want all the details:

http://www.smartvoter.org/2006/11/07/oh/state/issue/5/

~Kyle

Answer 4

You can call your City Hall for clarification.

My understanding is that you can smoke in your house and in your car.

Here, in Florida, there is a law that says I cannot smoke on school property. Many years ago, when I went to pick up my daughter from elementary school, I lit up a cigarette in my car while waiting in the long car pick-up line. I was approached by a school administrator who told me I had to put my cigarette out. I complied. When I got home, I went on line and looked up the specifics of the statutes - and found out that it was totally legal for me to smoke in my own car EVEN IF it (the car) was on school property. I printed out the statute and took it with me in the car. The next day, in the car pick-up line, the same scenario ensued. When the school administrator approached my car, I handed her the printed-out statute. She read it and practically threw it back at me through my car window. I said, "HAVE A NICE DAY!!" and felt vindicated. I did, however, subsequently cease smoking in my car on school grounds because I felt it was a negative example to set for not only my own child, but other kids, as well.

The point of this story is: check, and re-check, the law and your rights. Just because you are a law-abiding citizen doesn't mean you are willing to forfeit what few smoker's rights you may have left.

Answer 5

I'm really beginning to Hate living in Ohio. It wouldn't take much for me to move and they wonder why people are leaving this state DUH.. Were taxed to much, getting poorer, personal freedoms are going out the window and its a backward state anymore, its not progressive at all. We are seriously thinking of moving out in the next few years.

Answer 6

Indian land

Answer 7

On and in your personal property, and a few places outside.

Answer 8

In your car, in your home, in your own backyard. That's about all.

Answer 9

i agree with belladonn... im moving on jan 11th