Do Ohio churches need to post No Smoking signs?

Q: What is the Ohio Revised Code for no smoking?

The Ohio Revised Code related to smoking bans is found in Section 3794. This section outlines the restrictions on smoking in public places and workplaces, including the requirement for posting 'No Smoking' signs and removing ashtrays. For detailed information, it is advisable to consult the full text of the law.

Q: What is the Ohio Smoke Free Act?

The Ohio Smoke Free Act, enacted through Issue 5, prohibits smoking in indoor public places and places of employment. This law aims to protect the public from secondhand smoke and requires establishments to post 'No Smoking' signs and remove smoking receptacles. The act took effect on December 7, 2006.

Q: Can you smoke in a church parking lot?

While the Ohio indoor smoking ban primarily applies to enclosed spaces, smoking in outdoor areas like church parking lots may depend on the church's specific policies. Some churches may choose to prohibit smoking entirely on their property, including parking lots. It's best to check with the church for their stance on smoking.

Q: When did Ohio ban indoor smoking?

Ohio banned indoor smoking with the passage of Issue 5, which took effect on December 7, 2006. This law prohibits smoking in all indoor public places and places of employment, including churches.

Full question:

Do our churches need to post a No Smoking Sign since this law has recently passed in Ohio? We have 86 churches in our denomination.

Category: Civil Actions
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Ohio

Answer:

Yes, churches in Ohio must comply with the indoor smoking ban established by Issue 5, which took effect on December 7, 2006. This law requires all public places and places of employment to prohibit smoking and to post conspicuous 'No Smoking' signs at each entrance. These signs must include the toll-free number 1-866-559-OHIO (6446) for reporting violations. Additionally, all ashtrays and smoking receptacles must be removed.

The law defines a 'public place' as an enclosed area open to the public and a 'place of employment' as an enclosed area used by employees for work. Given that churches are generally considered public places, it is advisable for your denomination's churches to follow these regulations to ensure compliance.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Are you allowed to smoke on church property?

In Ohio, smoking is generally prohibited in indoor public places, including churches, due to the indoor smoking ban established by Issue 5. While outdoor areas may not be covered by the same restrictions, individual churches may have their own policies regarding smoking on their property. It's best to check with the specific church for their rules.