Smoking ban now in effect for Iowa
The Iowa Department of Public Health estimates nearly 18 percent of adults in the state smoke. Starting Tuesday, that 18 percent of Iowa's adults will have to adjust their smoking habits.
The Iowa Legislature passed the smoke-free air act in April. The new law, which went into effect July 1, prohibits smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants.
Osceola Chamber/Mainstreet Executive Director Kristi Erwin attended a meeting with more than 20 area business leaders that educated the local residents on the new smoke-free air act. There was not a large outcry against the new law at the meeting, but Erwin said the local bar owners have expressed their concerns over the legislation.
"I haven't heard a lot from the business community, but the bars feel it could hurt their business," Erwin said.
That is a common theme across the state, especially after lawmakers banned smoking in places of employment, bars and restaurants, but exempted casinos. People will still be allowed to smoke on casino floors, veterans’ facilities and designated hotel rooms.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, D-Des Moines, said lawmakers could readdress the smoking legislation in 2009 and discuss halting the exemptions for casinos and veterans facilities in an attempt for a 100 percent ban.
Businesses are asked to post no smoking signs at their entrances and remove ashtrays where smoking is prohibited.
A business could face fines of $100, $200 or $500, depending on the number of smoking violations, if they fail to comply with the new law. Stiffer penalties such as losing liquor and business licenses can also be imposed.
