Smoking Ban Passed by Illinois Lawmakers

Lawmakers in Springfield, Illinois have passed legislation to ban cigarette smoking in bars, restaurants and other public workplaces in Illinois, according to reports by NBC News (nbc5).

The legislations passed the House on Tuesday, May 1, and now goes to Governor Rod Blagojevich to sign. Governor Blagojevich supports the ban enthusiastically". If he signs the legislation, the smoking ban would take effect on January 1. Illinois would be the 19th state in the United States to impose the ban.

The ban is intended to replace a patchwork of local laws. Establishments that were not allowed to have smoking of their premises, because of local laws,here .claimed,ed that they were losing business. For example, if a bar patron could not smoke in the local bar, they could go to the next town where smoking was permitted

According to experts, "second hand smoke kills about 2,900 people in Illinois every year." quoted the NBC report.

The sponsor of the legislation, Representative Karen Yarbrough of Chicago, "There no doubt the actions of smokers are harming non-smokers."

Opponents argued that the state is overstepping their authority. Opponents said that bans on smoking should be done by city, if necessary.

A synopsis of the legislation includes the stipulations that smoking is prohibited in public places, places of employment and governmental vehicles. Public places must have "no smoking" signs posted. Ashtrays m,ust be removed from places where smoking is not permitted. The legislation also prohibits smoking within a minimum of 15 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open and areas with ventilation intakes that serve an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited.

In other words, smoking in any workplace building will be prohibited. Smokers will not be allowed to huddle around the entrance to the workplace building, or any open windows or vent. Smokers must be at least 15 feet away from any opening to the building.