February 2008 | On Our Radar
Ahh... the Smell of Clean(er) Air
For those who haven’t yet heard, Illinois citizens can breathe easier when out in public as of January 1, when Illinois joined the growing list of states enacting smoking bans. The new legislation bans smoking in restaurants, bars, nightclubs, workplaces, public buildings and within 15 feet of building entrances, exits and windows. Smokers will still be allowed to smoke outdoors, in designated hotel rooms, at retail tobacco shops, and in their cars and homes. The law also requires “No Smoking” signs to be posted at every entrance and ashtrays removed from buildings.
Those who violate the law will be fined $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and $2,500 for each additional violation within a year of the first violation. Illinois’ smoking ban comes two years after the Chicago Clean Indoor Air Ordinance, which was passed in January, 2006, and banned smoking in specified public facilities.
“Cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death — both in Chicago and across the nation. Each year, more than 400,000 Americans die from cigarette smoking,” said Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Terry Mason, M.D. “Successful implementation of this new state law will result in a healthier city and a healthier state for everyone.”
For more information, look up SB500 at ilga.gov.
— Liz Henschel
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