Smoking Ban Begins - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Smoking Ban Begins

All public places in North Dakota are now smoke free.

North Dakota's smoke-free law took effect today - 30 days after the vote to become smoke free.

Tobacco Prevention Outreach Coordinator Holly Brekhus says the First District Health Unit has received a number of calls from local businesses who are trying to comply.

Brekhus says work vehicles and smoking shelters are two places that may be overlooked by employers.

Work vehicles are enclosed public places and require proper 'no smoking' signage.

Brekhus says some businesses are looking into smoking shelters, but they too have regulations.

Like ash trays, a smoking shelter must be at least 20 feet away from all doorways, and the shelter can only have a certain percentage of enclosure --- much like a bus stop.

Brekhus says there are fines associated with non-compliance, but the most important part is setting a precident for future generations.

<< (Holly Brekhus, First District Health Unit Outreach Coordinator for the Tobacco Prevention Department) "It's important to set that tobacco free norm for our young people. We want to set that standard. No tobacco is the norm in our society." >>

For an outline of the law or cessation information visit BreatheND.com.