The Town of Normal is Proud to be a Smoke Free Community

At their May 1, 2006 meeting the Normal Town Council enacted an ordinance that restricts smoking in nearly all indoor public places, places of employment and outdoor seating areas. The new smoking regulations became effective on January 1, 2007. Smoking is now prohibited in public places and places of employment. This includes all restaurants, businesses, common areas in multiple family housing units and other buildings where the public is permitted or where employees frequent during the course of employment. The ordinance further restricts smoking in outdoor seating locations where members of the public gather to witness an event and in all locations within fifteen feet of a public entrance to a non-smoking facility.

The frequently asked questions listed below are intended to provide information about Normal’s smoking regulations. A copy of the full ordinance that was passed by the Town Council is available here. Questions related to this ordinance can be directed to the Town of Normal Legal Department by calling 454-9507 or by using the online communication tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When did the smoking regulations take effect?
   
   The new regulations took effect on January 1, 2007.
    
2. Can I be fined for smoking in my home or on a private balcony?
   
   Smoking is not regulated in private homes, unless the home is used as a place of business that is open to the public. If your home is not a place of business (e.g. child day care center) then smoking is not regulated.
   
   You may also smoke on a private balcony so long as the balcony is not within fifteen feet of an entrance to a non-smoking area.
    
3. What businesses or locations are impacted by the new smoking regulations?
   
   Nearly all enclosed public areas and places of employment are covered by the new regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, restaurants, healthcare facilities, government buildings, retail stores, shopping malls and theaters. Also included are places of employment including employee lounges, restrooms, conference rooms, cafeterias, hallways, business vehicles and other places that employees frequent during the course of their work day.
    
4. Are any businesses or locations exempt from the smoking regulations?
   
   Places that are not covered by the ordinance include private residences, designated hotel and motel sleeping rooms, retail tobacco stores, private clubs or lodges, outdoor patios, public sidewalks, roadways, parks, golf courses and churches. Definitions of all the exempt locations are included in the full ordinance.
    
5. Can I declare my business a “Private Club or Lodge” and be exempt from the smoking regulations?
   
   The smoking ordinance specifically defines private clubs and lodges. Those establishments meeting all the requirements stated in the definition are automatically exempt from the smoking regulations. The definition of a private club or lodge is included in the full ordinance. Questions on whether or not a particular business or organization qualifies as a private club can be directed to the Town of Normal Legal Department at 454-9507.
    
6. Are any outdoor areas affected by the smoking regulations?
   
   Yes, certain outdoor areas are covered under the smoking ordinance. Under the ordinance smoking is not permitted in outdoor seating areas where the public is invited to watch an event. One example of such location would include bleachers at an outdoor sporting event.
   
   Smoking is also prohibited within fifteen feet of an entrance to a non-smoking area.
    
7. Does the ordinance regulate the use of use of chewing tobacco?
   
   Smoking is defined in the ordinance as ‘inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah or lighted tobacco product in any manner or in any form’. Since chewing tobacco is not a lighted tobacco product, it is not regulated under this ordinance.
    
8. How will the smoking regulations be enforced?
   
   The Normal Police Department will have the authority to issue citations to those in violation of the ordinance. If an officer witnesses a violation he or she may issue a ticket to the offender. If someone witnesses a violation then he or she should contact the Normal Police Department to report the violation.
    
9. What are the fines for non-compliance?
   
   A person found smoking in a non-smoking area can be fined between $25 and $500. A first offense will result in a $25 fine, while each subsequent fine will double in cost. A person who owns or manages a business may be fined for failing to prohibit smoking in a non-smoking area. Fines for this violation start at $25 and double for each subsequent offense with a maximum fine of $2,500.
    
10. Can a business owner or manager be fined if a patron or employee is found to be smoking in a non-smoking area?
    
    If a business owner, manager or employee witnesses a violation taking place on his or her premises then they must request that the violator quit smoking right away. If the violator continues to smoke then the owner, manager or employee must report the violation to the Police Department immediately. If an owner or manager fails to intervene or report a violation to the Town of Normal Police Department then he or she may be cited for failing to prohibit smoking in a non-smoking area.
     
11. Are businesses required to put up any new signage informing patrons that the establishment is non-smoking?
    
    The ordinance requires non-smoking signage at all public entrances to a non-smoking area. The signage declaring the establishment as non-smoking must be clearly visible to all patrons and employees. Business managers or owners may contact the Town if they questions on appropriate signage requirements. No specific sign is required. The international no-smoking sign is sufficient. Signs should be conspicuously posted at all public entrances to a non-smoking facility.
    
    The Town of Normal has a limited number of window decals that satisfy this requirement. These decals are available free of charge to business owners while supplies last. The decals can be picked up at the Clerk's office in City Hall.

Questions not addressed above can be directed to the Legal Department at 454-9507 or by using Normal’s online communication tools.

This page last modified 05/05/08.