Statewide Smoking Ban Takes Effect July 1

The first statewide smoke-free air law takes effect July 1.

Drug and Tobacco Free Starke County and the Tobacco Free Coalition will be holding an Indiana Smoke Free Law Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, June 21 at 6 p.m. at the Bass Lake Community Center, where information will be provided concerning the new law and how it affects businesses and organizations. Information will be given on what the law covers, who to contact with questions and complaints, and who enforces the law.

House Enrolled Act 1149 allows the public protection from secondhand smoke in 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.