On May 1, 2010, Michigan’s Dr. Ron Davis Law takes effect, banning smoking statewide in most public places. It replaces Michigan’s 1987 “Clean Indoor Air Act” that generally prohibits smoking only in schools, childcare facilities and healthcare facilities.
This new law prohibits smoking in public places and food service establishments, including outdoor patios where food or drinks are intended to be served and/or consumed. Under the new law a public place is defined as (i) an enclosed indoor area owned or operated by a state or local government agency and used by the general public; (ii) an enclosed indoor area used by the general public and is an educational facility, a home for the aged, a nursing home, hospice or hospital long-term care unit, auditorium, arena, theater, museum, concert hall or any other facility during the period of its use for a performance or exhibit of the arts; (iii) any place of employment. Hotel and motel guest rooms are included in the ban.
Exemptions to the law are cigar bars, casinos, company vehicles including commercial trucks, retail tobacco stores and private home offices.
Regulations specify that “No Smoking” signs or the “international no smoking symbols” are to be clearly and conspicuously posted at the entrances to and in every building or other area where smoking is prohibited under this law.
Fines for those who do not comply start at $100 for the first violation and escalate to $500 for subsequent violations.
-Beverly Dust
