The Smoke Free Illinois Act will mandate that as of January 1, 2008, Lombard will be smoke-free.

What does this mean?  Senate Bill 500 prohibits smoking in public places, places of employment and government vehicles.  Specifically, according to Section 15 of the new Public Act 95-0017, the smoking ban applies to all public places and places of employment.

For these purposes, "smoking" or "smoke" is defined as carrying, smoking, burning, inhaling or exhaling any type of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, hookah, weed, herbs, or any other lighted smoking equipment.

Smoking will be prohibited in all indoor public places, places of employment and/or within 15 feet of entrances, exits, window and ventilation intakes to a public place or place of employment, unless exempted by the act.  No person shall be allowed to smoke in any vehicles owned, leased or operated by a state or a political subdivision of the state. 

Frequently Asked Questions

* Where will smoking be banned?

Smoking will be banned from indoor public places, places of employment and within 15 feet of entrances, exits and windows of public places and places of employment.  No one may smoke in any vehicle that is owned, leased or operated by the sate or a political subdivision of the state.

* Where will smoking be allowed?

Smoking will be allowed only in private residences (unless being used as a child care, adult day care or healthcare facility or home-based business that is open to the public.)  Retail tobacco stores that have been operating prior to January 1, 2008 and derive no gross revenue from the sale of tobacco and related smoking accessories is also exempt.  This exemption does not apply to any business with any type of liquor or retail food service.

Smoking will also be allowed in some private and semi-private rooms in nursing homes or long term care facilities and in hotel rooms that are designated as smoking rooms.

* What kind of responsibilities do businesses have?

Businesses can post a "no smoking" sign at each of its entrances.  They should not permit smoking in a public place, a place of employment or within 15 feet of any entrance.  Ashtrays should also be removed from all areas where smoking was previously allowed and is now prohibited.

* What about enforcement and fines?

The Illinois Department of Public Health, local public health departments and local law enforcement agencies are required to enforce the act.  These agencies may assess fines to any corporation, partnership, association or other entity violating the no smoking provisions of the act.  Each day that a violation occurs is a separate violation.  Fines range from $100-$250 for a person who smokes in a prohibited area.  Business owners are subject to no less than $250 for the first violation, not less than $500 for the second violation within one year after the first violation, not less than $500 for the second violation within one year from after the first violation and not less than $2,500 for each additional violation within one year after the first violation.

Visit the Illinois Department of Public Health for more frequently asked questions about the Smoke Free Illinois Act.

Smoke Free Illinois Act resources for businesses.