Granholm Signs Smoking Ban into Law

After years of trying by public health advocates, it’s now official — Michigan workplaces will be smoke-free in less than 6 months.

Earlier today, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed the ban into law at a smoke-free bar in Lansing.

The new law bans smoking from nearly all public work areas in Michigan, including bars and restaurants.

The gambling floors of 3 Detroit-area casinos have been granted exceptions.

Cigar bars, tobacco specialty shops, home offices and motor vehicles would also be exempt.

Marquette County already has a workplace smoking ban, but bars and restaurants aren’t included.

The Health Department believes it would have a role enforcing the ban when you can no longer light up in bars and restaurants similar to the enforcement role it has right now.

Community health educator Sarah Derwin says if someone complains about smoking in a Marquette County workplace, the Health Department follows up with that business and educates them about the ban.

The new law takes effect on May 1st, 2010.

Michigan is now the 38th state to pass a smoking ban law.