Via the City of Chicago Department of Public Health

State of Illinois Smoke Free Act
Fact Sheet for Chicago Businesses

In 2007 the State of Illinois passed Senate Bill 500 that bans smoking in all public places, or in any place of employment or within 15 feet of any entrance to a public place or place of employment.

Quick facts about the Smoke Free Illinois Act

• The Smoke Free Illinois Act takes effect on January 1, 2008.
• The Act bans smoking in almost all public places and in any place of employment. This includes but is not limited to: restaurants, bars, taverns, indoor theaters, concert halls, educational facilities, nursing homes, auditoriums, meeting rooms, exhibit halls, convention facilities, private clubs, bowling alleys, pool halls and skating rinks.
• Smoking is also prohibited within 15 feet of any entrance, exit, window that opens or ventilation intake that serves an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited.
• "No smoking" signs are required to be posted at every entrance. Free signs are available for download on the city’s website at www.cityofchicago.org.
• Ashtrays are to be removed from the premise.
• Complaints should be made by calling 311.

• Private residences unless being used as a childcare, adult day care, healthcare facility or any other home based business that is open to the public.
• Retail tobacco stores that have been in operation prior to January 1st, 2008 and derive more than 80% of gross revenue from the sale of tobacco and related smoking accessories. This exemption does not apply to any establishment with any type of liquor or retail food license.
• After January 1st, new retail tobacco stores that derive more than 80% of gross revenue from the sale of tobacco and related smoking accessories without any type of liquor or retail food service may allow smoking only if the business is located in a free standing structure occupied solely by the business and smoke from the business will not migrate into an enclosed areas were smoking is prohibited.
• Hotel and Motel rooms that are designated smoking rooms. Not more than 25% of the rooms may be designated as smoking rooms.

For more information about the Smoke Free Illinois Act visit the Chicago Department of Public Health

Download the flyer (PDF) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (PDF).