Smoking Ban...

If there is a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants, bars, etc., why are some establishments in Gibson City still allowing smoking?

Signed Anonymous


Dear Anonymous,

There is an Illinois ban on smoking effective January 1, 2008. There's some good information at www.idph.state.il.us/smokefree/index.htm.

I cannot answer questions for individual businesses but, here's some information (quoted) that I received from the above referenced web site.

How will the act be enforced?
The owner, manager or operator of an area open to the public covered by the act must make a reasonable effort to prevent smoking. The Illinois Department of Public Health, state-certified local public health departments and local law enforcement agencies will enforce the law.

Where can I file a complaint?
Complaints can be filed with the Illinois Department of Public Health on the Web at www.smoke-free.illinois.gov or by telephoning the Department's toll-free Complaint Line at 866-973-4646. Complaints also can be made to a state-certified local health department or a local law enforcement.

GCPD Chief Cushman emailed me with the following: "At this time, law enforcement has not received a clear cut method of enforcement for the smoking ban. This has been an area of confusion since the smoking ban was put into effect. However, the Gibson City Police will assist persons with smoking concerns in filing a complaint with the Ford Iroquois County Health Department."

Mayor Dan