Clean Indoor Air Act Takes Effect February 1, 2008

On February 1, the Clean Indoor Air Act will take effect in Maryland.  The Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking in almost all indoor workplaces.  This law was designed to “preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of the people of Maryland by limiting exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.”  Residents of Allegany County will have clean, smoke-free air while working, dining, shopping or relaxing throughout the state.

Starting Friday, February 1, smoking will not be allowed in the following facilities:

• Indoor areas open to the public;
• Indoor meeting places open to the public;
• Indoor places of employment;
• Mass transit vehicles;
• Private residences being used by a licensed daycare or childcare provider;
• Private vehicles used for the public transportation of children or as part of healthcare or daycare transportation;
• Clubs with alcohol licenses.

An indoor area is defined by the Clean Indoor Air Act as“all space in a structure or building with a ceiling that is enclosed on all sides by any combination of permanent or temporary walls, windows, or doorways, whether open or closed, or other physical barriers extending from floor to the ceiling.”

This includes bars, restaurants, hotels, motels and private clubs.

For bars, restaurants and private clubs, this means that smoking will not be allowed anywhere inside the establishment.  People dining at restaurants will have to step outside if they want smoke.  Restaurant and bar employees are also responsible for reminding customers that smoking is not allowed inside. 

Hotels and motels also are covered under the Clean Indoor Air Act.  All public areas in these establishments are to be smoke-free.  Smoking may be allowed in up to 25% of guest rooms.  These rooms will be identified with a sign stating “SMOKING PERMITTED IN THIS ROOM.”  As with bars and restaurants, employees are responsible for reminding customers that smoking is not allowed inside. 

If you are smoking in one of these establishments and refuse to comply with an employee’s reminder to stop, you will be asked to leave.

The Allegany County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division will be responsible for enforcing the Clean Indoor Air Act.  If you are visiting one of these establishments and see that the Clean Indoor Air Act is not being enforced by the establishment, please contact the Allegany County Health Department at 301-759-5040 or call the Clean Indoor Air Act Help Line at 1-866-703-3266.  For more information on the Clean Indoor Air Act, visit www.mdcleanair.org. 

Resources

Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act:  A Guide for Bars and Restaurants

Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act:  A Guide for Hotels and Motels

Economic Impacts

Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act:  A Guide for the Public

Signs

No Smoking

No Smoking (Spanish)

No Smoking (Symbol only)

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