Smoking ban enforcement costly to local government

Health departments in northwest Ohio report that the costs of enforcing Ohio's smoking ban far exceed revenues received to pay for enforcement (Source: "Smoke ban costly for health agencies: Fines failing to cover expense of enforcement," Toledo Blade, April 27, 2008).  The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department reports that it has received $630 in fines to cover the costs of investigating about 1,300 violations of Ohio's smoking ban.  While the health department has issued around 50 fines, most establishments are appealing these fines.

The Erie County health department has spent over $16,000 for a part-time employee for its program, which does not include administrative and other costs.  It has yet to receieve revenues close to its costs.

On the other hand, the William County health department, along with a dozen other local health departments, ceded inspection and violation duties to the Ohio Department of Health.