Rivals unite against Ohio smoking ban changes

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By WSBT News1

Story Created: Nov 16, 2008 at 10:11 AM EST

Story Updated: Nov 16, 2008 at 10:11 AM EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Groups that once fought on opposite sides of a proposed statewide smoking ban have united to oppose proposed changes to that ban.

Restaurant owners and anti-smoking groups, including the American Cancer Society, are fighting legislation in the Ohio House and Senate that would permit loopholes in the ban.

A Senate bill would allow smoking at certain family-owned businesses and private clubs while a House bill would exempt stand-alone bars from the ban.

The Ohio Restaurant Association says it wants a level playing field for all businesses.

Cancer society lobbyist John Hoctor says the bills if passed would open up smoking in thousands of businesses.

Voters overwhelmingly approved a statewide smoking ban in 2006.

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Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, www.dispatch.com

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