 On May 3, 2007, the Illinois State Legislature voted to approve the most comprehensive non-smoking law in the nation. The Act, signed into law by Gov. Rod Blagojevich on July 23, 2007, takes effect January 1, 2008. This new smoking restriction Act prohibits smoking in all public places as defined by the new law.
The Knox County Health Department has been working with the Galesburg Chamber of Commerce, area law enforcement agencies and elected officials to ensure a uniform approach concerning enforcement of the Smoke-Free Illinois law be developed in Knox County. Together with the Galesburg Chamber of Commerce, the Health Department will be conducting an informational meeting for all Knox County businesses on December 5, 2007 at 6pm at the Galesburg Public Library, and December 11, 2007 at 3pm at the Knox County Farm Bureau Building. Businesses with questions about the upcoming law are encouraged to attend. The Health Department also hosted a meeting for all interested municipal and county officials on October 25, 2007 at the Knox County Health Department.
During the month of November, the Health Department provided food service establishments affected by this Act with table tents and posters advising patrons of the upcoming smoking restrictions. Additional table tents and posters are still available.
For more information about the Smoke-Free Illinois Act:
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for a PDF version of the Smoke Free Illinois Act
Click here for updates to the Administrative Rules for Smoke Free Illinois. The comment period for this first draft is now closed. The proposed second draft has been forwarded to the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules.
For more information on Smoke Free Illinois, you may visit www.smoke-free.illinois.gov
Questions may also be directed to kchd92@knoxcountyhealth.org or to (309) 344-2224.
|
