Law lets Illinois towns ban smoking

Publication Date: 2005-08-11

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• Publication:Chicago Sun-Times

A bill signed by Gov. Blagojevich on Wednesday gives every Illinois community the authority to ban smoking in bars and restaurants.

The new law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, gives each of Illinois' 1,200 cities, towns and villages the power to enact local smoking bans. Only 21 Illinois cities -- including Chicago -- are currently allowed to set their own smoking rules.

State law has barred local communities from adopting their own smoking bans since 1989, when Illinois adopted statewide restrictions on smoking in public places.