Health
Illinois adopts smoke-free law
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 13, 2007
One more state has joined the ranks of jurisdictions in which smoking in almost all public places is prohibited.
At the beginning of 2008, smoking in all public places, work environments, university dormitories and government vehicles is banned in Illinois. Lighting up also will be prohibited within 15 feet of entrances, windows that can be opened and ventilation intakes, according to legislation signed by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich last month.
This move was cheered by medical societies and health-related charities.
"The new law is a victory for all Illinois residents, workers and visitors who will soon benefit from clean, smoke-free indoor environments that will protect them from the deadly dangers of secondhand smoke," said AMA President Ron Davis, MD.
Smoking continues to be allowed in private homes, freestanding tobacco stores, some private nursing home rooms and designated hotel rooms. Smokers who violate this law can be fined between $100 and $250. Those who allow smoking in a place of employment will be fined at least $250 for the first infraction.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/08/13/hlbf0813.htm.
