Supporters of Issue 5 pass statewide smoking ban

Ohio voters soundly rejected Issue 4, a limited ban on smoking in restaurants, bars and other public places, but supported Issue 5, which calls for a complete ban on smoking in workplaces and public places.

"We are so grateful to Ohio voters who saw past the tobacco companies’ smokescreen and voted to create a healthier future for Ohio workers and future generations," said Tracy Sabetta, co-chair of SmokeFreeOhio's campaign.

"Tobacco companies spent millions, but could not defeat thousands of passionate volunteers from across the state who worked countless hours to make this dream a reality," Sabetta said.

The SmokeFree Workplace Act will officially be state law in 30 days. It may take a little longer for the Ohio Department of Health to craft rules to enforce Issue 5.

Ohio is the 15th state to pass stronger smoke-free laws. The list includes: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Montana, Utah, Vermont and Washington State. Several countries have smoke-free laws, including Italy, Ireland, and Scotland.