Expanding the individual smoking bans adopted by Boston and 100 cities throughout the state, Massachusetts has put an indoor smoking ban into effect. The ban prevents smoking in any workplace -- including bars and restaurants -- and imposes a $100 fine on violators. Like other laws of its kind, the ban does not apply to private clubs or cigar bars. Massachusetts is the sixth state to enact a statewide ban. The others are Connecticut, New York, Delaware, California and Maine. The chief of staff of the Massachusetts Department of Health expects 95% voluntary compliance by Labor Day.
Meanwhile in Rhode Island, smokers appear to be losing precious indoor ground to a law that will make smoking in any workplace -- including bars and restaurants -- illegal by March 1, 2005. The governor announced that he signed the bill into law on July 2. The law exempts private clubs, small bars with C licenses and the state's two gambling facilities.
Posted by franchiselawblog at July 6, 2004 12:07 PM