Smoking ban rules still in limbo

SPRINGFIELD - The state's new smoking ban is still the law, but the details of its enforcement remain in political limbo.

A state legislative panel rejected today a set of rules the State Department of Public Health proposed. Lawmakers said the rules either didn't address due process concerns regarding those ticketed for illegal smoking or failed to resolve confusion about the 15-foot smoke-free zone that's supposed to extend from a building's entrance.

The smoking ban took effect Jan. 1 and outlaws smoking in essentially all public places including bars, restaurants and riverboat casinos. Fines for smokers start at $100 and $250 for businesses.

Lawmakers said the smoking ban remains in effect despite the lingering uncertainty over its details.