The City of Chicago passed a smoking ban yesterday.
Here's the story.
In summary:
EFFECTIVE JAN. 16, 2006
Indoors: Smoking is banned in restaurants without bars and in most buildings and public spaces, including stores, stadiums and the lobbies, hallways and common areas of buildings.
Outdoors: Smoking is prohibited within 15 feet of an entrance of a building where smoking is banned.
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008
Smoking is banned in taverns and restaurant bars.
POSSIBLE EXEMPTION
Filtration/purification devices that can adequately clean the air may allow an exemption.
AREAS AFFECTED
BEGINS JAN. 16, 2006
Restaurants without bars
Arcades
Aquariums, galleries, libraries and museums
Bingo facilities
Convention facilities
Theaters
Hospitals/nursing homes
Schools and universities
Common areas in residential buildings and trailer parks
Polling places
Public elevators
Retail stores and shopping malls
Public assembly, meeting areas
Sports arenas
Grocery stores
Gymnasiums
All city vehicles and facilities
BEGINS JULY 1, 2008
Bars and restaurants with bars
NOT AFFECTED
Private residences, unless they are used as a health-care facility or home-based business
Designated smoking rooms in hotels and motels
Retail tobacco stores
Private clubs or lodges
PENALTIES
A fine of $100-$500 against people who smoke in prohibited areas
A fine of $100 or less for the first offense and $500 or less for the second offense against owners or managers who fail to comply
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