Ohio Bill Would Ease Smoking Ban for Private Clubs

A new bill in Ohio could make it easier for private clubs to allow smoking in their clubs.

Last week, Sen. Joe Schiavoni, D-Boardman, introduced S.B. 295, a bill that would modify Ohio’s indoor smoking ban to greatly increase the number of private clubs where smoking would be allowed.

Currently, smoking is permitted in private clubs that are located in a freestanding structure, do not have any employees and are non-profits. S.B. 295 would modify all three of these conditions.

For-profit clubs would be able to allow smoking. They would also be able operate alongside other businesses so long as they properly deal with ventilation. Employees would be able to work in the club so long as they are 18.

The clubs would have to pay a new annual fee to the Department of Health’s smoke free indoor air fund.

Ohio law already contains exemptions for retail tobacco shops and family-owned businesses where all employees are related to the employee.

Schiavoni is already joined by four co-sponsors.