Chicago No Smoking Poster Requirement
Chicago Municipal Code § 7-32-020 requires public places and places of employment to post “No Smoking” signs or signs displaying the international No Smoking symbol. The specialty Chicago No Smoking poster displays the international No Smoking symbol and provides a link to local resources.
Scope of the Chicago Clean Indoor Air Act
The Chicago Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking as well as “vaping” or the use of an e-cigarette, vape pen, or e-hookah in virtually all enclosed public places and enclosed places of employment.
The places where smoking and the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited includes:
- bars and restaurants;
- shopping malls;
- recreational facilities including enclosed sports arenas, stadiums, swimming pools, ice and roller rinks, arcades and bowling alleys;
- concert halls;
- auditoriums;
- convention facilities;
- government buildings and vehicles;
- public transportation facilities;
- coin laundries;
- meeting rooms;
- private clubs;
- public restrooms;
- lobbies; reception areas, hallways and other common-use areas in public buildings.
The Ordinance also prohibits smoking within 15 feet of the entrance of these establishments. Additionally, the law permits owners and managers of buildings and other spaces not covered by the Ordinance to declare their buildings and other spaces to be smoke-free.
Enforcement and Penalties
The Ordinance is enforced by the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Individuals who observe a violation are encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of the facility’s management. If the matter remains unresolved, an individual may report a violation by calling 311 or reporting it online here.
- A report of a violation automatically triggers a letter to the establishment from the Chicago Department of Public Health reminding the proprietor of the law.
- A third report of an alleged violation (within a 12-month period) triggers an inspection by the Health Department. Fines start at $250 and can reach $2,500 per offense for repeat offenders (building or business owners/operators who allow the law to be violated on their premises.)
- Individuals who smoke in areas prohibited by the ordinance are guilty of an infraction punishable by fines up to $250.