Illinois Tobacco Free Communities (ITFC)

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act went into effect on January 1, 2008. This law prohibits smoking in all indoor public buildings and places of employment and is designed to protect employees and the public from secondhand smoke. Complaints are registered through the State's toll-free complaint hotline at 866-973-4646 or at the Illinois Department of Public Health page. The law identifies the Illinois Department of Public Health, local health departments, and local law enforcement as enforcement agencies.


Understanding the Smoke-free Illinois Act

As of January 1, 2008, the Smoke-Free Illinois Act requires that public places and places of employment must be completely smoke-free inside and within 15 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open and ventilation intakes. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Public places and buildings, offices, elevators, restrooms, theaters, museums, libraries, educational institutions, schools, commercial establishments, enclosed shopping centers and retail stores
  • Restaurants, bars, taverns and gaming facilities
  • Lobbies, reception areas, hallways, meeting rooms, waiting rooms, break rooms and other common-use areas
  • Concert halls, auditoriums, enclosed or partially enclosed sports arenas, bowling alleys, skating rinks, convention facilities, polling places and private clubs
  • Hospitals, health care facilities, health care clinics, childcare, adult care or other similar social service care
  • No less than 75 percent of hotel or motel sleeping quarters rented to guests
  • Public conveyances, government-owned vehicles and vehicles open to the public

 
Illinois Tobacco Quitline

The Illinois Tobacco Quitline was created to help people quit tobacco. Quitline staff can help cigarette, cigar and pipe smokers, as well as snuff and chew tobacco users.

There is no cost for the counseling services.

The Illinois Department of Public Health funds the Illinois Tobacco Quitline, which is operated by the American Lung Association. This partnership was formed in 2001 to provide tobacco cessation services to the citizens of Illinois.

For more information on smoking, quit tips, or to schedule a presentation, contact 433-3366.