Countdown to Smoke-Free Law

It’s been years in the making.

At 6am tomorrow, Michigan’s smoke-free law takes effect in all workplaces, food service establishments and public places.

The law covers almost all public and private work sites.

It also bans smoking on patio areas of bars and restaurants.

The goal is to give everyone a level playing field when it comes to a smoke-free environment.

Tobacco specialty shops, portions of certain casinos and designated cigar bars are exempt from the smoking ban.

There are no specific distance requirements for smokers.

But for some Michigan residents, including members of the American Legion in Ishpeming, the ban is a restriction of freedom.

If a business disobeys the law, its fines and fees can range from $100 to $500.

We’ll have more at 10 and 11 tonight from bar owners and employees about the ban and how they feel about it.