Ohio's Smoke-Free Workplace Act (ORC 3794) bans indoor smoking in nearly all workplaces and public spaces and applies in Columbus. Columbus Recreation and Parks rules add park-specific restrictions, and patios and outdoor dining have venue-by-venue policies under landlord and county-health rules.
Ohio Revised Code 3794 (Smoke-Free Workplace Act, 2006 ballot Issue 5) prohibits smoking in enclosed public places and places of employment statewide, enforced by the Ohio Department of Health and Columbus Public Health under contract. The act covers cigarettes and cigars, with vaping not directly covered. Columbus Recreation and Parks Department restricts smoking in playgrounds, athletic fields, and many park facilities by departmental rule. Title 33 zoning controls smoke-shop locations. Outdoor dining patios remain regulated by venue policy and Franklin County Public Health food-service rules; some bars allow outdoor smoking, others prohibit it. Federal HUD smoke-free rules apply to public housing managed by the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority.
Indoor smoking violations under ORC 3794 bring civil fines starting at $100 for individuals and up to $2,500 for repeat-offender operators, enforced by the Ohio Department of Health. Columbus Parks violations bring warnings and potential trespass enforcement at posted facilities.
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See how Columbus's outdoor smoking restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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