Tobacco Prevention

Beginning January 1, 2008, business owners shall:
Not permit smoking at their business, or within 15 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open and ventilation intakes.
• Post “No Smoking” signs at each entrance to the place of employment or public place where smoking is prohibited. “No Smoking” signs must comply with the specification in the Smoke-free Illinois Act.
• Remove ashtrays from areas where smoking is prohibited.

There is no requirement for an employer to provide an outdoor shelter for smokers. As part of the workplace, private offices also must be smoke-free since smoking is prohibited throughout the workplace. Additionally, employers may designate additional areas in the workplace as smoke-free.

Requirement to Post Signs
“No Smoking” signs or the international “No Smoking” symbol, consisting of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it, must be clearly and conspicuously posted in each public place and place of employment where smoking is prohibited. 

The purpose of the Smoke-free Illinois Act is to protect others from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. An employee or a member of the public can file a complaint against an individual or business that violates the law.

If a business owner fails to comply with the Smoke-free Illinois Act, an employee or patron may file a complaint. The Illinois Department of Public Health, state-certified local public health departments and local law enforcement agencies are designated enforcement agencies under the Smoke-free Illinois Act.

Businesses found in violation of the Smoke-free Illinois Act are subject to fines. Fines are assessed at $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation and a $2,500 minimum fine for all subsequent violations within one year of the first violation.

Fines for individuals who violate the Smoke-free Illinois Act are not less than $100 and not more than $250.