OREGON – The Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/) became effective Jan. 1, 2008, and little has changed to that law.
The Ogle County Smoke-Free Ordinance went into effect July 1, 2015. Let’s take a look at the highlights of both laws.
Smoking and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, commonly referred to as E-cigarettes (OCSFO) is prohibited in all public places and places of employment with very few exceptions. Both laws apply to any building or enclosed area in which there is public access. Smoking is prohibited within 15 feet of an entrance, exit, window, or ventilation intake. Additionally, all public places and places of employment must post in a "conspicuous" area a "No Smoking" sign complete with a picture of a burning cigarette enclosed within a red circle with a red bar across it and "Includes E-Cigarettes at each entrance. Visit http://www.oglecounty.org/departments/health-department-2/health-education/ to download signs.
All ashtrays and receptacles must be removed from areas where smoking is prohibited. Business owners are responsible for a reasonable enforcement of smoking prohibition in their establishment and within 15 feet of their entrances/exits, windows and ventilation intakes.
Provisions are made for enforcement of both laws. Enforcement agencies named are local law enforcement and state-certified local public health departments. Ogle County Health Department is a state-certified local health department, and as such does conduct enforcement activities related to SFIA and OCSFO. Enforcement agencies are charged in the act to enforce the provisions and are able to write citations and assess fines.
Penalties for individuals begin at $100 for a first offense and $250 for each subsequent offense. Fines for businesses begin at $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second violation within in 1 year, and $2,500 for each subsequent violation within a year after the occurrence of the first violation. More information is available on the SFIA at www.smoke-free.illinois.gov as well as the ability to submit a violation complaint. Information on the Ogle County Smoke-Free Ordinance also may be found at the health department web address. And complaints may be called in to the health department.
Assistance to stop smoking is available through the Illinois Tobacco Quitline by calling 866-784-8937. Smoking cessation classes also are available. For more information or to log complaints, contact Joanie Padilla at the health department, 815-732-7330, ext. 279.
Help is available 24-7 through the Illinois QUITLINE at 866-784-8937.