I’m passing along a warning for you smokers who plan on traveling on Route 66 in Illinois.
From the Joliet Herald-News:
Papa Joe’s Route 66 Sport Lounge, 1623 N. Broadway, was the fourth Will County establishment cited for violations of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, which became state law Jan. 1.
One patron at Papa Joe’s Route 66 Sport Lounge was ticketed for smoking in a public place. The individual is subject to fines of from $100 to a maximum of $250 for the first offense, and is scheduled to appear in circuit court Oct. 16.
According to provisions of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, a person who owns, operates, or otherwise controls a public place that violates the law shall be fined not less than $250 for the first offense. Subsequent violations within 12 months time warrant fines of from $500 to a maximum of $2,500. A hearing date for the cited establishment is pending. […]
Illinois became the 19th state to impose a smoking ban in bars, restaurants, casinos and most other public places when the Jan. 1 law took effect.
I’m a nonsmoker, but this law seems to be overkill — especially in a bar — at a time when the cops have more important things to worry about.
After nearly 2 years, the first conviction in Colorado cost the state $60,000 to collect a $200.00 fine. There are about 6 or 7 more cases pending. Banning smoking in bars is really stupid. There are 7 bars that I know of within 2 miles that ignore the ban. There have NO customer complaints. The customers pay the bills, not the state.