Jacqueline Glass, Quit Coach, Service Delivery:

Michigan joins the ever growing list of states that ban smoking in public places this Saturday, May 1. Michigan is the 38th state to ban public smoking, which leaves only 12 states left that permit smoking in public places. The legislature has passed the smoking ban exempting casinos, cigar bars, home office, and motor vehicles. Michigan’s law bans smoking in all other workplaces including all bars and restaurants. Individuals who violate the smoking ban will receive a $100 fine for their first offense. Management is required to enforce that ban.

As with any smoking ban, reactions are mixed. The biggest concern for most business owners in Michigan is will they lose money due to this ban; yet studies in other smoke-free states have found no significant decrease in restaurant and bar sales when a smoking ban is enforced.

Many health advocates and others are relieved that this smoking ban has finally passed. It’s been a long time coming - a version of the smoking ban legislation has been rejected or ignored in Michigan multiple times.

With Michigan going smoke free, it looks like the Michigan State Quit line will be busy this spring. We’re ready and waiting to take those calls.