Smoke-Free Illinois Act progressing steadily in Winnebago County
Most businesses complying with signage, smoking rules
By Larry Didier, WCHD
Since the enactment of the Smoke-Free IL (SFIL) Act on Jan. 1, 2008, Winnebago County has seen a large number of violations filed, but generally has had solid compliance in the business community.
More than 250 violation reports (complaints) were filed on nearly 100 different businesses in the first three months of the year. About 40 percent of those complaints were for missing or incorrect signage. Most of those businesses complied within a few days. It's now almost unanimously understood that it's required to post signs indicating that smoking is prohibited indoors in all public places and places of employment.
How Complaints Are Handled
The process following receipt of a complaint has been to send an "educational letter" outlining the law's requirements and providing information on where businesses can get their questions answered as well as local contacts to call with concerns. If a second complaint is received, a stronger "warning letter" is sent to the establishment, indicating that there may be financial penalties for ignoring the law, what those penalties are and information on whom to contact for questions or concerns. Many businesses have been prompt in responding to these second letters, often calling with questions and indicating compliance. This especially has been true in the case of missing signage.
Of greater concern is the fact that about 60 percent of the complaints -- and nearly 75 percent since the end of January -- have been filed for smoking indoors or within 15 feet of doorways or windows that open. Both are violations of the SFIL Act. Complaints come primarily from customers who enter establishments expecting a smoke-free environment and find that patrons, and sometimes even employees, have continued to smoke indoors. Most of these businesses have quickly adjusted after receiving the "warning letter," but there remain a handful of establishments that drive continuing complaints from customers. In these circumstances, the department is working with local law enforcement officials to address them.
Results from Smoking Ban
The overwhelming majority of Winnebago County businesses are complying with the new SFIL Act and patrons in the community are now at much lower risk for illnesses related to involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke. Less than 0.5 percent of all business establishments in the community have had a complaint filed in conjunction with the SFIL Act requirements.
Congratulations to the vast majority of businesses for their voluntary support. Winnebago County Health Department staff have received hundreds of comments about how pleased residents are to be able to go to businesses they did not frequent before, to take their children to certain restaurants and dining facilities, and to be able to socialize with friends and colleagues in a healthier environment.
For more information on the Smoke-Free IL Act, call Larry Didier at WCHD, 815-720-4269 or ldidier@wchd.org.
The views expressed are those of Didier's and do not necessarily reflect those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
