Arguments For
Smoking is bad. Smoking has been proven to cause, among other things, lung cancer and emphysema. Recent legal action taken against tobacco companies for "damages" resulting from cigarette sales and efforts to educate the public about the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke make this issue seem, in many ways, like a no-brainer: it is in the interest of public health to stop people from smoking and breathing second-hand smoke.
Arguments Against
Those opposed to Columbus' smoking ban, primarily the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association and the Coalition for Consumer Choice, argue that the free market should decide the issue; in other words, people will spend their money in smoke-free environments if they choose and if enough people do so, more restaurants, bars, and other outlets will become smoke-free. Buying cigarettes is legal, so smoking them should be legal.
Outcome
Many bars and similar businesses report a significant drop in business since the smoking ban went into effect. This is probably due to many customers visiting suburbs where smoking is still legal. Since many suburbs are considering similar legislation, this may change. It seems a statewide ban would level the playing field and put the same regulatory burden on all Ohio businesses.
