Mason County

Health Department

 

 

Health Education

Smoke Free Illinois

 

 

What do bar owners have to say about smoke free Illinois?

 

Fines for breaking the law range from $100 to $2500

In 2007 the State of Illinois passed Senate Bill 500 that bans smoking in all public places, places of employment and governmental vehicles.

The ban took effect on January 1st, 2008.

The smoking ban applies to all public places and places of employment. Public places include but are not limited to: hospitals, restaurants, bars, taverns, retail stores, offices, commercial establishments, elevators, indoor theaters, libraries, museums, concert halls, educational facilities, nursing homes, auditoriums, enclosed or partially enclosed sports arenas, schools, meeting rooms, exhibition halls, convention facilities, polling places, private clubs, gaming facilities, lobbies, bowling alleys, skating rinks, public restrooms, and student dormitories.

 

Places of employment include but are not limited to: offices, work areas, restrooms, conference and classrooms, break rooms and cafeterias.

Smoking is not allowed within 15 feet of any entrance to a public place or place of employment.

 

"No smoking" signs are required to be posted at every entrance.

 

Where is smoking allowed?

Private residences- unless being used as a child care, adult day care or healthcare facility or any other home based business that is open to the public.

Retail tobacco stores that have been in operation prior to January 1st, 2008- and derive more than 80% of gross revenue from the sale of tobacco and related smoking accessories. An annual affidavit is required with the State of Illinois Department of Public Health. This exemption does not apply to any establishment with any type of liquor or retail food service.

Private and semi private rooms in nursing homes or long term care facilities.

Hotel and Motel rooms that are designated smoking rooms, not more than 25% of the rooms may be designated as smoking rooms.

 

What are the responsibilities of a proprietor?

Not permit smoking in a public place, a place of employment or within 15 feet of any entrance.

Not allow drifting/infiltrating of smoke into a building or facility through an entrance, a window, a ventilation system or other means.

Post "no smoking" sign at each entrance.

Remove ashtrays from all areas where smoking is prohibited.

Tell existing and new employees that smoking is prohibited in a place of employment.

 

What is the responsibility of an individual?

No smoking in an area of a public place or place of employment where smoking is prohibited by the Act. For more information, please see the IDPH's FAQs.

 

The full text of Smoke Free Illinois, can be found on the Illinois General Assembly's website.

Smoke Free Illinois ensures clean, smoke-free air in public places. Register complaints at www.smoke-free.illinois.gov or call 1 -866-973-4646