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News
Reminder of Smoke Free Rules
Posted 4 August 2008
The Iowa Smokefree Air Act has been
in effect since July 1, 2008. Some confusion continues in individual
interpretation of the law. However the law is very clear regarding
signage.The appropriate signage MUST be posted at every entrance to a
public place and place of employment where smoking is not allowed.
The signs need to clearly display: (1) the international “no smoking”
symbol OR the words ”No Smoking,”(2) the Smokefree Air Act Web site, www.IowaSmokefreeAir.gov
and the (3) Smokefree Air Act Helpline 1-888-944-2247. Signs which meet
the requirements can be downloaded from the web site. Each individual
business owner is responsible for obtaining and posting the signs.
The law prohibits smoking in all enclosed areas in places of
employment. Examples include: restaurants, bars, public and private
educational facilities, factories, warehouses, office buildings and
shopping malls. Enclosed areas include: work areas, private offices,
conference and meeting rooms, classrooms, auditoriums, employee lounges
and cafeterias, hallways, restrooms, elevators, stairways and
stairwells, and vehicles owned, leased or provided by the employer,
including all city and county owned vehicles.
All restaurants are required by law to display the signs, including
those establishments that had not allowed smoking prior to enactment of
the law. Additionally, smoking is prohibited in all outdoor seating and
patios of restaurants and all ashtrays must be removed from these
areas. Bars which do not prepare and serve food may allow smoking in
outdoor areas.
The primary goal of the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is to
have all entities voluntarily comply with the law. IDPH does maintain a
system for receiving and investigating complaints. Anyone may access
this system by calling 1-888-944-2247, or going online to www.iowasmokefreeair.gov.
Additionally, a written complaint may be mailed to the Iowa Department
of Public Health at 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319.
Individuals may also contact their local public health department with
any questions about interpretation and implementation of the law. IDPH
hopes to eliminate any confusion and assist businesses in determining
how they can be in compliance with the law and therefore prevent any
violations.
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