Smoking Still Illegal In Ohio's Public Places

No matter what you have heard, it is now illegal to smoke in Ohio's public places. However, it seems not everyone is following the rules.

Many restaurants said they will remain a smoke-friendly environment until the fines and penalties section of the new law take effect. Others said doing that is not worth the risk.

Joe Newlin of BW3's in Kettering said as a liquor license holder the last thing you want to risk is your liquor license or the fine that businesses may end up paying. Newlin said that from a customer's perspective, it's confusing.

Over the weekend, more than 2,600 people called the State Health Department's tip line to report problems or ask questions. The official answer is that the ban is in effect and businesses in violation will receive a letter in the mail, but for now, no fine.