Bill expands smoking ban in state

Publication Date: 2009-07-11

• Author:MICHAEL McAULIFFE
• Publication:Springfield (MA) Union-News and Sunday Republican

The state ban on smoking in work places, including restaurants and bars, may soon move outdoors.

State Rep. Theodore C. Speliotis, D-Danvers, introduced a bill in which violators can be fined up to $100 for smoking within 25 feet of an entrance, exit, windows that open, and ventilation intakes serving an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited...

What occurs frequently now is that smokers will step just outside a restaurant or bar for a cigarette, and Speliotis said he filed the bill after a number of constituents talked to him about having to contend with second-hand smoke while outside.

"I filed it because constituents...asked me to resolve the problem," he said.

Local police would enforce the law, and 25 feet as the distance to ensure smoke does not enter a building can be challenged with the local health department.