Understanding the Smoke-free Illinois Act
As of January 1, 2008, the Smoke-Free Illinois Act requires that public places and places of employment must be completely smoke-free inside and within 15 feet of entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes. This includes but is not limited to:
- Public places and buildings, offices, elevators, restrooms, theaters, museums, libraries, educational institutions, schools, commercial establishments, enclosed shopping centers and retail stores
- Restaurants, bars, taverns and gaming facilities
- Lobbies, reception areas, hallways, meeting rooms, waiting rooms, break rooms and other common-use areas
- Concert halls, auditoriums, enclosed or partially enclosed sports arenas, bowling alleys, skating rinks, convention facilities, polling places and private clubs
- Hospitals, health care facilities, health care clinics, child care, adult care or other similar social service care
- No less than 75 percent of hotel or motel sleeping quarters rented to guests
- Public conveyances, government-owned vehicles and vehicles open to the public
What are the penalties?
A person who smokes in an area where smoking is prohibited can be fined between $100 and $250. A person who owns, operates or otherwise controls a public place or place of employment who violates the act can be fined not less than $250 for the first violation, not less than $500 for the second violation within one year after the first violation, and not less than $2,500 for each additional violation within one year after the first violation.
How can I learn more about the Smoke-free Illinois Act?
For more information, visit www.smoke-free.illinois.gov or telephone the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Office of Health Promotion at 217-782-3300.
Click here to view PUBLIC HEALTH (410 ILCS 82/) Smoke Free Illinois Act
Where can I get information on quitting smoking?
If you smoke and want to quit, you can call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline toll-free at 1-866-QUIT-YES (1-866-784-8937) Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Or visit www.quityes.org