Light Up: Rivals Unite Against Ohio Smoking Ban Changes
Published: Nov. 16, 2008 at 3:42 PM 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.
