December 18, 2009
December 18, 2009
Law prohibits smoking in public places, including restaurants and bars
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that will prohibit smoking in public places such as restaurants, bars, and hotels, or any place that serves food or beverages. The Ron M. Davis Law, named after the late chief medical officer of the Michigan Department of Public Health, takes effect May 1, 2010, and will make Michigan the 38th state to ban smoking in public places.
"I have long supported a smoking ban that will protect employees, patrons and citizens from the dangers of secondhand smoke," Granholm said. "This laws shows that the health of Michigan citizens is a top priority. We will create more smoke-free environments with this law, which will lead to a healthier state."
Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in Michigan, resulting in about 2,500 deaths. When smoking occurs in the workplace, employees find they are exposed to cancer-causing substances all day. Smoking-related illnesses in adults include heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory illnesses and diabetes. Children and adolescents exposed to secondhand smoke can develop asthma, ear infections, colds and pneumonia.
"Today is a good day for Michigan, because the state now has a strong law that bans smoking in public places," said Janet Olszewski, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. "This is a win-win for the state. The law will help produce healthier environments, and it will help lower the number of people who fall ill to secondhand smoke-related illnesses."
The new law allows exemptions for the gaming floors at the three Detroit casinos, but the other casino bars and eateries must be smoke-free, including the casinos' restaurants and hotels. Michigan's 20 American-Indian casinos are not covered by state law. Cigar bars, tobacco specialty shops, home offices, commercial trucks and motor vehicles are also exempt. Individuals and business owners who violate the law will be subject to penalties of $100 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.
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