Lawmakers may need to clear up smoke ban

SPRINGFIELD -- Confusion over the state's new smoking ban may force lawmakers to take up the issue again, said the suburban lawmaker who sponsored it.

A state legislative panel rejected Wednesday several enforcement provisions proposed by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Those on the panel said the proposed rules were confusing or didn't address concerns about how the ban should be enforced and citations handled.

Regardless, the ban remains the law.

State Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat and the ban's sponsor, said Thursday the full General Assembly might have to get involved again.

"We're going to be introducing some follow-up on those concerns, that way ... it'll be as clear as clear can be," said Link.

However, exposing the hot-button issue again to the politics of the legislative process may give opponents another opportunity to derail parts of it.

Supporters of the ban said it has resulted in nearly 300 complaints being filed with the state. But Kathy Drea, director of public policy for the Illinois chapter of the American Lung Association, said she was aware of only two tickets for illegal smoking.

The ban on smoking in bars, restaurants, casinos and virtually all other public places began Jan. 1 with fines starting at $100 for smokers and $250 for businesses.