February 13, 2018
Dear Woodford County Business Proprietor,
This letter is in reference to the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, which has been in existence for 10 years. The Smoke-Free Illinois Act requires that public places and places of employment must be completely smoke-free inside and within 15 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open and ventilation intakes.
Beginning January 1, 2008, business owners shall:
- Not permit smoking at their business or within 15 feet of 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. Signs that meet these specifications are available to download free on the Illinois Department of Public Health Web site, www.smoke-free.illinois.gov.
- Remove ashtrays from areas where smoking is prohibited.
Failure to comply
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.
Employees and patrons who want to quit smoking
If you smoke and want to quit, or know someone who wants to quit, call the FREE Illinois Tobacco Quit Line toll-free at 866-QUIT-YES (866-784-8937). As part of a worksite wellness initiative, employers can become Illinois Tobacco Quit Line Referral partners to assist employees with quitting tobacco products. For more information, contact Andrea Ingwersen, Health Educator at (309) 467-3064 or aingwersen@woodford-county.org
This letter is for informational purposes only. For more information regarding the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, visit www.smoke-free.illinois.gov.