Highland Park beefs up anti-smoking regulations coming Jan. 1

Smokers will have to kick the habit at a public golf driving range, Metra commuter rail platforms, city-owned lots and other outdoor places in Highland Park.

The city council has approved an amended local law with more teeth than the Smoke Free Illinois Act that begins Jan. 1. Highland Park's tougher no-smoking rules also take effect Jan. 1.

Under the statewide ban, smokers can't puff in bars, restaurants, public buildings and workplaces. However, smoking still is allowed outdoors, at retail tobacco shops, private nursing facilities, in homes and certain hotel or motel rooms.

But Highland Park's elected officials didn't think the statewide smoking ban goes far enough. The stricter anti-smoking regulations, passed last week by a 7-0 city council vote, will trump state law in Highland Park.

Smoking will be forbidden at all parks, beaches, school property, Metra platforms, public golf driving ranges and Port Clinton Square, home of summer concerts in downtown Highland Park. Smoking already is forbidden at Ravinia Festival.

In addition, smoking will be banned in city parking lots, miniature golf links and on public sidewalks within 25 feet of an outdoor eating area. The state law will require smokers to be at least 15 feet from outdoor dining.

Golfers can still puff stogies and cigarettes as they play public courses, but not within 25 feet of the first tee or a clubhouse, according Highland Park's tweaked ordinance.

Someone smoking in a prohibited area in Highland Park can be fined $100 to $750 for each violation. The state law calls for fines of $100 to $250.

Read more in Thursday's Daily Herald.