As of January 1, 2008, the Smoke Free Illinois Act restricts smoking in or near public establishments. Specific components of the act include:
- Smoking in public places, places of employment, and governmental vehicles prohibited. No person shall smoke in a public place or in any place of employment or within 15 feet of any entrance to a public place or place of employment.
- Smoking is prohibited within a minimum distance of 15 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes that serve an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited under this act.
- All ashtrays shall be removed from any area where smoking is prohibited by this Act.
- Any person may register a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health, your local health department, or a local law enforcement agency for a violation of this Act.
- A person who smokes in an area where smoking is prohibited shall be fined an amount that is not less than $100 and not more than $250.
- A person who owns, operates, or otherwise controls a public place or place of employment that violates this Act shall be fined not less than $250 for the first violation, not less than $500 for the second violation within one year after the first violation, and not less than $2,500 for each additional violation within one year after the first violation.
For more information regarding the Smoke Free Illinois Act, go to http://www.smokefreeillinois.org .
To report violations of the Smoke Free Illinois Act, contact the Macoupin County Public Health Department (217-825-4339/[email protected]) or go to http://www.idph.state.il.us/smokefree/complaints.htm.