Let us say, for the record, we are quite pleased about this impending legislation. I'm an ex-smoker, and not at all militant about it (I never send clouds of moral indignation wafting over in the general direction of public smokers), but am eagerly anticipating a sharp increase in the number of nightclubs I frequent, once January 1, 2008 arrives.
The Smoke-free Illinois Act protects the public from the harmful effects of exposure to tobacco smoke by prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment and within 15 feet of any entrance, exit, windows that open, or ventilation intake of a public place or place of employment. Public places and places of employment include, but are not limited to, restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, private clubs and gaming facilities. Smoking also is prohibited in public conveyances, such as taxis, buses, shuttles, and any vehicle owned, leased or operated by the state or a political subdivision of the state.
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Beginning January 1, 2008, business owners shall:
Not permit smoking at their business, or within 15 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open and ventilation intakes.
Post “No Smoking” signs at each entrance to the place of employment or public place where smoking is prohibited.
“No Smoking” signs must comply with the specification in the Smoke-free Illinois Act.
Remove ashtrays from areas where smoking is prohibited.
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If a business owner fails to comply with the Smoke-free Illinois Act, an employee or patron may file a complaint. The Illinois Department of Public Health, state-certified local public health departments and local law enforcement agencies are designated enforcement agencies under the Smoke-free Illinois Act.
Businesses found in violation of the Smoke-free Illinois Act are subject to fines. Fines are assessed at $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation and a $2,500 minimum fine for all subsequent violations within one year of the first violation.
Fines for individuals who violate the Smoke-free Illinois Act are not less than $100 and not more than $250.
[From Smoke-free Illinois - A Guide for Restaurants and Bars]
Please, smoke 'em if you got 'em, at home, and not next to me. Thanks!
I wonder if I'd report someone? Probably not, but if I wanted to, here's the procedure.
My first asthma attack was in consequence of the amount of smoke in the air at an open arena, the Greek Amphitheater, in which metal heads smoked cigarettes and pot to the point all I inhaled was smoke. The layer of smoke was so thick I arrived at Saint John's Health Center, received a treatment and was still at less than 40% oxigenation.
I won't lie about cigarettes. There are times I wish I could smoke for the pleasure associated with cigarettes, coffee and empty talk. I welcome, however, these curbing measures. Every time I go out I come back with a cough.
When People realize how destructive cigarettes are, it's generally too late.
I hope this leads to more freedoms in this United States like banning women from stinky cologne and how about banning the booze being sold in this state. It's a health issue to me! And Rod Blago please really support this Smoke Free Act by either banning the product or refusing to accept taxes on this ungodly product. It doesn't seem like you mind taking the money! What a hippocrite all you fanatics are.
So I am now a hypocrite because I don't want particulates in my lungs? I don't want you to aim your coal plant chimney at my face either. If there is a sudden outbreak of obnoxious cologne wearers (30% of the population), I might have a problem, but that is a pretty ridiculous hypothetical.
As far as banning alcohol: remind where the law says consumers can't smoke at home? You can't (legally) fornicate in public either, is that so bad? Your car has to have emission controls, was enacting that law in the 1970s really the end of our free society?
You just are spoiled because for so many years your habit, smoking, was tolerated in public, but times change. Deal with it, or don't, and get the law changed again. It worked for alcohol prohibition, not so much for cannabis prohibition.