STRONGSVILLE, Ohio, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- A Cleveland suburb has banned smoking on all public property, including inside cars in municipal parking lots, officials said.
Strongsville, Ohio, a city outside Cleveland with a population of 44,000, has banned smoking on all city property, WOIO-TV, Cleveland, reported Monday. Signs were being placed on city buildings and in public parks.
The ban also includes chewing tobacco.
The decision was met with criticism by smokers who said they understand not allowing smoking indoors, but outdoor smoking should still be allowed.
"I think you ought to be able to smoke outdoor where ever you want," said Chris Norton, a contractor who smokes.
Officials told WOIO the ban will be strictly enforced for city employees -- city leaders justified the law by saying they have an obligation to provide a tobacco-free workplace -- but visitors smoking outside municipal buildings will be politely asked to stop.
