Senate bill aims to soften public ban on smoking

Sunday, November 23 2008

COLUMBUS - Two years after Ohio voters approved one of the strictest public smoking bans in the country, some lawmakers hope to poke three holes in it for private clubs, family owned businesses, and outdoor patios.

A Senate bill could come to a committee hearing when lawmakers return to Columbus after the Thanksgiving recess, but time is rapidly running out in the lame-duck session.

Patrick Carroll of Cincinnati, president of the Buckeye Liquor Permit Holders Association, argued Senate Bill 346 is simply designed to make the law match what voters thought they were approving in 2006.

Senate bill aims to soften public ban on smoking continues...