It's a smoke-free Ohio. A new smoking ban went into effect at midnight which prohibits smoking in many public places.

The Ohio Department of Health met in Columbus on Wednesday to discuss the new law and prepare for the ban by creating guidelines.

Bruce Misselwewz of the Jefferson County General Health District said the ban affects all public places and places of employment "to prevent people from getting ill from secondhand smoke."

He said after the guidelines are drafted by the state health department, they will be adopted by the department health council.

Some local restaurant owners said they didn't think the ban would hurt business.

Greg Froehlich, owner of Froehlich's Classic Corner, said, "I don't think it's going to have a direct impact on business since everybody is following the same guidelines and laws."

The smoking ban passed with support from 58 percent of voters in November. Violators could be fined up to $2,500.

-Renee Cardelli & Chandi Lowry, NEWS9