February 26, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macon County Health Department and Local Law Enforcement Partner to Enforce the Smoke-Free Illinois Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2010
DECATUR, IL – The Macon County Health Department, Macon County Sheriff’s Department, Decatur Police Department, and Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office have developed a plan to increase public awareness about the Smoke Free Illinois Act. These agencies will also be working together; enforcing the Act to ensure the health of community residents.
The Smoke-Free Illinois Act requires public places and places of employment to be completely smoke-free inside and within 15 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes. This Act applies to public places such as restaurants, bars, restrooms, gaming facilities, lobbies, break rooms, private clubs, hospitals, businesses, and a variety of other qualifying locations.
Since the Act was established, enforcement has been difficult. However, in February 2009, changes were made to the Act that provided clear guidance for enforcement. Resources to enforce the Act have also been scarce, but these partnering agencies in Macon County have a strong dedication to increase the attention paid to this Act and enforce compliance with it in the community.
If smoking is occurring in a prohibited location, any member of the public can make a complaint against the individual and/or business that is in violation. When this occurs, an investigation will be conducted and a citation will be issued by the Macon County Health Department if appropriate and fines will be levied. If a business owner is found in violation, the fine will be $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second, and a minimum fine of $2,500 for all subsequent violations within one year of the first. Individuals violating the Act are fined no less than $100 and no more than $250. Those wishing to file a complaint can call the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) complaint hotline at 1-866-973-4646 or visit www.smoke-freeillinois.gov. Complaints can also be filed through the Macon County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division, but a call must also be made to the IDPH complaint hotline.
People who want to quit smoking or any form of tobacco use can call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1-866-QUIT-YES. They can also call the Macon County Health Department for information about free nicotine replacement products and Freedom from Smoking Classes. Financial assistance is available. For more information about the Smoke-Free Illinois Act and enforcement of it, visit www.smoke-freeillinois.gov.
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Brandi Binkley
Macon County Health Department
(217) 423-6988 extension 1114