Details of law that took effect today to ban smoking in most public places and workplaces in Pennsylvania:
SMOKING BANNED:
• Enclosed workplaces and commercial establishments.
• Areas where the public is invited or permitted.
SMOKING PERMITTED :
• Bars where food amounts to no more than 20 percent of annual sales.
• A designated outdoor smoking area at a sports or recreation facility, theater or performance space.
• Private clubs whose officers agree to allow smoking.
• Up to 25 percent of rooms in places that offer lodging, like a hotels and motels, and all rooms at full-service truck stops.
• Up to 25 percent of a casino floor, and up to 50 percent if a casino can prove to the state Department of Revenue that the ban is hurting its business.
• Nursing homes, adult care facilities, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and mental health facilities.
• Private residences and private vehicles, unless the residence or vehicle is being used for child care or adult care services.
• Volunteer fire and rescue companies.
• Cigar bars connected to a tobacco shop or where tobacco-related products are at least 15 percent of annual sales.
• Tobacco shops; manufacturers, importers and wholesalers of tobacco products; manufacturers of tobacco-related products.
• Tobacco-promotion events, or fundraisers for nonprofit and charitable organizations where cigars are featured.
PENALTIES :
• Up to $250 fine for first offense.
• Up to $500 fine for second offense within a year of first.
• Up to $1000 fine for third offense within a year of second.
Source: Senate Bill 246
