Health department inspection required after complaints over Reds’ celebratory cigar smoking
By Lisa Cornwell, APFriday, October 1, 2010
Reds’ players celebratory cigars draw complaints
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Health Department will conduct an inspection of the Great American Ball Park and the Reds’ clubhouse after at least five people called a state hotline, complaining that when Reds players lighted up celebratory cigars after they clinched the NL Central it violated Ohio’s smoking ban.
Department spokesman Rocky Merz said Friday that state law requires such an inspection after five complaints about the indoor smoking were phoned in.
Don’t expect much to come of the inspection. Merz says further action is “highly unlikely.”
Merz says an inspection must be done within 30 days and the Reds will be notified of the alleged violation.
He says the department realizes “everyone was celebrating” the victory and wishes the Reds well. Team spokesman Rob Butcher declined comment Friday.
