Highland Heights, Ken. Passes Smoke-Free Air Ordinance

The city of Highland Heights, located in northern Kentucky, is the latest to pass an ordinance that bans smoking within city limits.

Approved by the city council on Tuesday night, the ordinance prohibits smoking within all enclosed areas of places of employment, as well as any enclosed area, building or vehicle owned, leased, operated or controlled by the city. It also applies to hotel and motel rooms.

Businesses may designate an adjacent area where smoking is prohibited so long as smoke can not enter the building from that area.

An individual found to be guilty of violating the ban by smoking in an area where it is prohibited will face a fine of up to $50, while a business owner or operator who permits smoking will receive a warning before being subject to a fine of up to $1oo for the first offense and then $250 each additional violation within one year. Multiple violations could result in the business losing its licenses and permits.

The ordinance goes into effect 90 days following its passage.

Highland Heights is home to approximately 6,800 residents and Northern Kentucky University. It is located just over seven miles southeast of Cincinnati.