COMPLAINT LINE - 1-866-973-4646

Smoke-Free Illinois Act

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act (Act) went into effect January 1, 2008, making Illinois one of 22 states with similar smoking laws. The Act prohibits smoking in the following areas:
- Public places
- Places of employment
- Within 15 feet of any entrance, window, or ventilation intake in a public place or place of employment.

Outdoor Smoking Areas

Employers do not have to provide an outdoor shelter for employees and can restrict smoking in additional areas. Smoking areas for customers of restaurants and bars need to follow the rules regarding proximity to the entrances. Employees are not to work in these smoking areas. The smoking areas must be non-enclosed. For example, smoking areas could be open on all sides if there is a roof or could have sidewalls if there is no roof. Whatever style of non-enclosed area, the area must be non-enclosed all year round.

No Smoking Signs

The Act states "No Smoking" signs are to be placed conspicuously at each entrance of the building. The signs must comply with the specifications listed in the Act. Signs in compliance with the Act can be found on the Smoke-Free Illinois web site at www.smoke-free.illinois.gov. At the discretion of the owner, operator, manager or other person in control of the building, "No Smoking" signs can be placed in restrooms, break rooms and other areas.

Ashtrays

All ashtrays must be removed from areas where smoking is prohibited. Sometimes other containers such as empty soda and beer cans are tempting to use as ash trays but this is not allowed.

Fines

Businesses found in violation of the Act are subject to fines - $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation, and $2,500 minimum fine for all subsequent violations within one year of the first violation. An individual can be fined not less than $100 and not more than $250 for a violation.

Making a Complaint

Law enforcement and local health departments are responsible for investigating complaints and issuing fines. Complaints can be made in the following ways:
- By calling the Complaint Line at 1-866-973-4646;
- By completing a complaint form on line at www.smoke-free.illinois.gov;
- By calling Jersey County Health Department at 618-498-9565, ext. 334
- By calling local law enforcement.

More information on the Act can be found on the Smoke-Free Illinois website, www.smoke-free.illinois.gov.
A complete copy of the Act is available.