In Ohio, the city of Austintown is seeing greater enforcement of the recent smoke-free workplace law. Many bar business owners are outraged by this decision, with one bar owner claiming that if she were to enforce the ban she would lose most of her customers.
Matthew Stefanak, the Health Commissioner says that notices of violation have already been issued, especially for bars that have already been given warnings. Some of the bars will be getting fines up to $1,000.
When the law was first implemented, there was a rush of complaints against several bars, but now they have tapered off with only one or two coming in daily. The owners of these bars have been given a month to appeal. Some bar owners are planning to do so, though they feel that it is unfair and are preparing to do something about it.
Just as non-smokers have the right to choose not to light up, smokers and the owners of such locals should the right to do similar with their health as they please.
[Via: vindy.com]
