Smoked out

If we take down all the speed limit signs will everyone start driving 100 mph?

We had the bright here at the Enquirer Thursday morning to ask people to tell us what Ohio bars, restaurants, bowling alleys etc., are ignoring the state's smoking ban for public places that supposedly went into effect Dec. 7.

I say "supposedly" because by now anyone in the state with a nicotine craving knows the law is not being enforced, at least not yet. The law exists, but as our question to readers this morning noted, its enforcement is in limbo while the Ohio Department of Health figures out exactly how it will make people follow the rules. The result, as about 150 of you told us by 5 p.m., is that lots and lots of public places are simply ignoring it when customers light up. No warnings and no fines means no reason to hassle a customer who wants to smoke and drink at the same time.

Patrick Carroll, executive director of the Buckeye Liquor Permit Holders Association, which filed a suit challenging the law, advises people to "smoke'em if you got 'em," according to our news story.

That's a catchy phrase -- worthy of the Marlboro Man. Stupid, but catchy.

True, you can get away with lighting up in lots of Ohio bars these days while we wait for the health department to catch up to the voters. If the management doesn't care, you don't risk anything except the ire of the non-smoker who might be at the next table.

And of course your own health.

Law or no law, that is still the best reason not to smoke in bars, restaurants and anyplace else. It's very bad for you.