Delphi Packard Electric has been hit with a 100-dollar fine for breaking the state's smoking ban.  After 68 complaints came in to the toll-free hot line to report violators.

"The investigation supported the allegations made on the initial complaint, so a fine was levied.", says Dr. James Enyeart, Trumbull County Health Commissioner.

Health Department inspectors say they found cigarette butts in plastic cups, and on the floor of Delphi's plant on North River Road, when they were here back in April, although they never actually saw anyone smoking inside the facility.

"What we do look for is the evidence of smoking having occurred, and that would be ashes, ashtrays, butts...", says Enyeart.

Delphi attorneys appealed the fine yesterday, saying the company has done everything it can to discourage smoking by employees.  A spokesperson tells me the company cares about the health of its employees, and any violation will be dealt with to be in compliance with the law-- including this one.  Still, it's hard to keep an eye on more than 1,000 workers in a one-point-two million square foot factory.  Delphi even became a smoke-free workplace in January 2006-- almost a year before the state smoking ban took effect.

"Apparently, they haven't been entirely successful, but we certainly give them credit for their effort, and have made suggestions to them as to how they might seek further compliance.", says Enyeart.

Doctor Enyeart tells anyone who sees a smoking ban violation to call the toll-free number, 888-559-OHIO (6446), and report it.