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 Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed legislation Monday making Illinois the latest state to ban smoking in public places
-- including bars, restaurants and work places. The law goes into effect Jan. 1.
Chicago and dozens of other communities already restrict smoking, but the new law trumps local ordinances that are weaker or that exempt businesses with air filtration systems, state health officials said.
Smokers will still be allowed to light up in their homes, cars, at retail tobacco shops, in certain motel rooms and outdoors. If they get caught smoking in a public place off limits under the new law, though, they could be fined up to $250, and the business could get a $2,500 fine.
"This law will save lives," said Blagojevich, who signed the measure at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Supporters have highlighted the health dangers of tobacco and second-hand smoke in pushing for the ban.
Bar owners and smokers weren't so pleased.
"I feel like it's the Nazi regime coming in here, talking away all of our rights, said Tim Main, as he cleaned up Mike's Ten-Pin Lounge in Alton. "First they make it so you have to wear seat belts, and now they want to put a stop to smoking. What's next?"
Chicago carpenter Rob Nelson saw a chilly future. "It looks like I'll be spending a lot of time outside," he said.
[Associated Press]
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