Springfield, Ohio — If any business in Clark County isn't complying with the state's smoking ban by now — a year after its inception — fines will be doubled, officials said Thursday, May 8.

"It's been a year," Dan Chatfield, county director of environmental services, said of the ban that went into effect May 3, 2007. "My feeling is that if anyone is in violation, it's intentional and we can double the fine."

Most businesses do comply with the law, Chatfield noted.

But for the violators — approximately 10 businesses in the area — the lengthy process of enforcement is inefficient, he said.

It can take months to penalize violators because businesses get several warning letters before a fine is imposed and 30 days between each letter to respond, Chatfield said.

"It's more excessive than any other program we have," he explained. "If we had to wait 120 days to clean up garbage, the public would be screaming."

Chatfield hopes that the stiffer penalties will outweigh owners' concerns about costs to provide smoking areas.

"Once we start writing these fines, it can quickly get very expensive," he said. "It might be a good business decision to cease and desist with violations."

At least one business has accepted the cost of providing a smoking section. Fred Poole, co-owner of the 19th Hole in Springfield, built a front patio for the bar.

"I still have some customers complain," Poole said. "But you have to do what you have to do."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.

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