Smoke-free ordinance deadline approaches

Friday, August 24, 2007

Sept. 1 is quickly approaching and beginning at noon that day the City of Greencastle's Smoke-free Workplace Ordinance goes into effective.

Just about every place of employment with the exception of private clubs and retail tobacco stores must ban smoking in their establishment.

Smoke-free work places include all enclosed areas within places of employment. Even private clubs, during any time the public is present and invited on the premises must remain smoke-free.

According to the ordinance every public place and place of employment where smoking is prohibited must post a conspicuous sign clearly stating that smoking is prohibited.

Bars are not exempt from smoking ordinance. However, smoking is not prohibited at any outdoor place of employment or outside any enclosed public place of employment. It is up to the business owner to set a distance from their entrance or designate a section outside their business where smoking is permitted if they choose.

Fines for non-compliance start at $50 for an individual infraction. The owner, manager or person in charge of the business is charged $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second one within one year and $500 for each additional violation within the same year.

Anyone who would like help in quitting smoking can contact the Putnam County tobacco Prevention and Cessation at 800-QUITNOW.

For information or signs call 653-3100, 653-4517 or 653-2697.

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  • -- Posted by barrreeve on Sun, Aug 26, 2007, at 7:52 PM
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