Statewide Smoking Ban Effective Tomorrow

The statewide smoking ban takes effect tomorrow.

House Enrolled Act 1149 bans smoking from restaurants, hotels and motels, movie theaters, bowling alleys, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, mental health facilities, assisted living facilities, and most other workplaces. The law also prohibits smoking within eight feet of a public entrance of any of those facilities.

Certain businesses and facilities may continue to allow smoking, unless local law states otherwise. Those include bars, casinos and other facilities with a gambling gaming license and certain fraternal organizations.

Enforcement for the new law will be split between the State Excise Police and the county’s health department. For businesses involving alcohol and tobacco, the State Excise Police will be responsible for enforcement, while businesses that fall under other categories will fall under the jurisdiction of the health department.