Smoke-Free Illinois Act
July 28, 2023 Amendment:
On July 28, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker signed HB 1540, a bill that prohibits the use of electronic smoking devices in indoor public spaces. This bill amends the 2008 Smoke-Free Illinois Act , which prohibits smoking combustible cigarettes in most public spaces in Illinois.
The following definition of e-cigarettes is now included: “Electronic cigarette” means any product containing or delivering nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol from the product. “Electronic cigarette” includes any such product, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen or under any other product name or descriptor. The definition of “smoke” or “smoking” is now updated to include the use of an electronic cigarette. The law goes into effect January 1, 2024.
Note:
The Cook County Clean Indoor Air Ordinance , effective since March 15, 2007, prohibits smoking, including electronic cigarettes, in all enclosed public places and places of employment within the County of Cook. Smoking is prohibited within 15 feet of any entrance, exit, windows that open or ventilation intakes to an enclosed area in which smoking is prohibited. Click here for more information.
Summary of the Act:
In July 2007, the Governor signed the Smoke-free Illinois Act into law, making Illinois the 22nd state to be smoke-free. The Act, which took effect on January 1, 2008, authorizes the Cook County Department of Public Health to enforce this Act within its jurisdiction. The Smoke-free Illinois Act requires that public places and places of employment must be completely smoke-free inside and within 15 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open and ventilation intakes. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Public places and buildings, offices, elevators, restrooms, theatres, 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