SPRINGFIELD Ill. Illinois would become the 19th state to ban smoking in restaurants if Gov. Rod Blagojevich signs a bill passed by both houses of the state legislature.
The Illinois House overwhelmingly passed the measure May 1, following earlier passage by the Illinois Senate. The legislation prohibits smoking in all public buildings, including bars. The governor told reporters he intends to sign the measure, which would become effective Jan. 1, 2008.
The ban would supersede a variety of municipal rules now in effect throughout the state. It would move up a ban in Chicago, where a no-smoking rule would go into effect July 1, 2008.
The state proposal carries fines of $250 for a business's first-time offense and fines ranging from $100 to $250 for individual violators.
The Illinois Restaurant Association adopted a neutral stance on the issue several months ago, due to divided opinions among its members about smoking bans.