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Last updated on Thursday, September 24, 2015
(BLOOMINGTON) - In 2003, the City of Bloomington became a smoke-free community. The ordinance prohibits smoking in all public places and places of employment to protect the public health and welfare of the community from health hazards induced by breathing secondhand smoke.
Due to a number of recently reported violations, the City reminds businesses and patrons of these establishments that the ordinance covers outdoor areas where food and drink are served.
Below are a few commonly asked questions about the Smoking Ordinance:
Can employees or business patrons smoke in outdoor seating area or patio provided by restaurants or bars?
No, neither employees or business patrons are permitted to smoke in an outdoor seating area or patio provided by a restaurant or bar.
How far away must a person smoke from a business's entrance?
People may smoke outside of a business's entrance provided they are far enough away from the building so that smoke cannot enter the business from a door, window or vent.
Must a business move its designated outside smoking area if it is in the back of the building and away from the public?
Yes. Designated outside smoking for employees or patrons should be far enough away from the building so that secondhand smoke cannot enter through a door, window or vent. Employers have a right to set up employee breaks to best meet the needs of their establishment. If breaks are allowed outside of the building, employee vehicles are considered private property and are not covered by Ordinance 03-06.
Are bars and private clubs exempt from Smoking Ordinance 03-06?
No. On January 1, 2005, all bars and private clubs became smoke free.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
The typical penalty for non-compliance is a $100 citation. The City of Bloomington will monitor compliance, notify businesses of compliance violations and issue citations, when necessary, for violations.
If you witness a violation, complaints may be submitted anonymously by calling (812) 349-3850, emailing smokefree@bloomington.in.gov, or writing a letter to Smoke Free, P.O. Box 100, Bloomington, Indiana 47402. Please include the location of the violation, the nature of the violation and the date of the violation.
For more information, please contact Nancy Woolery, Health Projects Coordinator, at wooleryn@bloomington.in.gov or (812) 349-3851.
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