Popular Activity Is Now Banned In Illinois

Many new laws go into effect every year in Illinois but this one could cause some controversy in our state.

Do You Remember The Smoking Banned In 2008?

I definitely remember the Smoke-Free Illinois Act from back in 2008. It caused quite a stir throughout the state. Businesses like bars were freaking out because many of their customers enjoyed a cigarette with their drinks. I wasn't sure if it was going to work but all these years later, it's still in effect.

According to smoke-free.illinois.gov,

As of January 1, 2008, indoor public places and places of employment in Illinois will be smoke-free.

 

Places of employment include offices and work areas, conference rooms, break rooms, cafeterias and other common areas.

 

Public places include restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, private clubs, gaming facilities and public conveyances.

 

Another Smoking Ban Is Coming To Illinois In 2024

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed more legislation earlier this year to add to the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. The new law goes after another popular bad habit. That's the use of vaping or e-cigarettes. The attentional regulation goes into effect as of January 1st, 2024.

RELATED: Illinois Town Bans Sale Of THC Products 

Basically, what this new law does is just add vaping and e-cigarettes to the already established 2008 Smoke-Free Illinois Act. So anywhere you can no longer smoke will now also include the others. That means pretty much at public places in the state. My questions are who is really going to enforce these new regulations and what's the penalty?

According to fox32chicago.com,

"Illinoisans deserve to enjoy public spaces without being exposed unwillingly to secondhand vapor and other electronic cigarettes byproducts," said Governor JB Pritzker.

 

Pritzker says vapes, just like cigarettes, contain nicotine and other aerosolized components that can lead to lung damage over time.