Illinois Is Now Smoke-Free

Smoke-Free Illinois Act Bans Smoking in Public Places

Began Statewide Jan. 1

[January 02, 2008]  CHICAGO -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich reminded citizens that the Smoke-Free Illinois Act went into effect starting Jan. 1. The law is designed to protect millions of Illinoisans from the dangers of lung cancer. This important legislation imposes a statewide ban on smoking in all public places, including bars, restaurants, public buildings and workplaces. The Smoke-Free Illinois Act, Senate Bill 500, was sponsored by state Rep. Karen A. Yarbrough, D-Broadview, and state Sen. Terry Link, D-Lake Bluff.

"In this new year in Illinois, we commit to our resolution to prohibit smoking from our public places," Blagojevich said. "People visiting or working in restaurants and bars no longer have to worry about putting their health at risk. We can all collectively take a breath of fresh air as this long-awaited law finally takes hold."

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act also replaces most local ordinances that may have been considered weak, such as allowing a phased-in smoking ban or exempting establishments that installed approved air filtration systems.

"Tobacco use is the single largest cause of preventable premature death in the United States, and now Illinois has taken steps to prevent more exposure to secondhand smoke," said Dr. Damon Arnold, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. "More than any administration in Illinois history, Governor Blagojevich is committed to improving the health of this state. I thank Governor Blagojevich, and I welcome the new year and a new smoke-free Illinois."

People may still smoke in their homes, cars, outdoors, private nursing home rooms, home offices not open to the public, retail tobacco shops, and certain hotel or motel rooms. Smokers who violate the law by smoking at indoor public places can be fined between $100 and $250. Establishments that violate the law can be charged an amount between $100 and $250 for the first violation and a minimum of $250 for a second violation within a year. Subsequent violations within a year of the first violation will cost establishments at least $2,500.

Illinois workers face serious health risks related to secondhand smoke. The U.S. surgeon general's June 2006 report concluded that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Research shows that workers exposed to secondhand smoke on a daily basis are 20 percent to 30 percent more likely to develop cancer than other workers. According to research, one eight-hour shift in a smoky workplace is equivalent to smoking 16 cigarettes. Secondhand smoke is a preventable cause of disease and death, both in adults and children.

Smoking-related statistics for Illinois:

• Illinois is now the 22nd state to have a ban on smoking in public.

• Each year in Illinois, more than 16,000 people die from smoking-related illnesses.

• Currently in Illinois, 24.3 percent of adults and 29.2 percent of youth smoke.

• Each year in Illinois, $3.2 billion in direct medical expenditures are related to smoking.

• Each year in Illinois, secondhand smoke kills 2,900 adults and children.

This law went into effect Jan. 1.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]

Past related article:

• Illinois to Be Smoke-Free on Jan. 1
  Anti-Smoking Law Puts Burden on Businesses and Local Agencies