COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio has filed its first lawsuits over violations of the state's smoking ban, accusing two bars of repeatedly ignoring the law.
Attorney General Richard Cordray said Friday that O'Neal's Tavern in Cincinnati has been cited for 12 violations and fined $21,000. Zeno's in Columbus has been cited for nine violations and fined $28,000.
The separate complaints seek a court order requiring the bars to comply with the smoking ban, which voters approved in 2006. Enforcement began May 3, 2007.
Cordray said the two establishments have shown that fines and warnings won't deter them.
A message seeking comment was left at Zeno's, while a telephone call was not answered at O'Neal's.
Dr. Alvin Jackson, director of the state Health Department, said Ohio is committed to enforcing the law.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement