• Home
  • News
    • Politics & Government
    • Business & Economy
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Radio Iowa Poll
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support Page
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters

Radio Iowa

Iowa's Radio News Network

You are here: Home / Health / Medicine / Health Department says no surprises in first month of smoking ban

Health Department says no surprises in first month of smoking ban

July 31, 2008 By admin

No smoking sign. During the first month of the state’s ban on public smoking, public health officials have notified 57 businesses of a possible violation.

Bonnie Mapes, director of the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Tobacco Use and Prevention Bureau, says there have been no surprises.

"We have seen pretty much exactly what we expected to see," Mapes said. "Even with the businesses that are choosing purposefully not to comply, and there are a few of those, none of that has surprised us – because that’s exactly the pattern that has been followed in most other states that have done this." So far, no businesses have been fined.

Iowa has more than 14,000 food service license holders, which includes bars and restaurants covered by the smoking ban. "When you consider we’ve got that many businesses, I think you can make the statement that compliance is really good," Mapes said.

Out of the 57 businesses notified of a possible violation, most are bars and restaurants. This list also includes a campground, a speedway and two casinos. Casino patrons are allowed to smoke on the gaming floor, but not in dining areas. Mapes says two businesses have recently been sent a second notice from the state, which means they’re now subject to an unannounced visit from local law enforcement.

"Until a police officer goes on site, and actually witnesses a violation, there’s no potential for a business to be cited or fined," Mapes said. If authorities witness a smoking violation, the business can be fined 100 dollars. The two locations facing a police visit are Otis Cambell’s Bar and Grill in West Burlington and the West Des Moines Elks Lodge in Windsor Heights.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Health / Medicine Tagged With: Tobacco

Featured Stories

Final employee who was there at the launch of the Iowa Lottery to retire

No more USPS mail in Iowa prisons; inmates to get copies of mail

State officials warn of influx of fake prescription drugs laced with fentanyl

‘Brain-eating amoeba’ discovered in Taylor County lake

Cedar Rapids therapist’s relationship with student leads to years in prison

TwitterFacebook
Tweets by RadioIowa

Hutchinson calls Iowa State a perfect fit

Northern Iowa’s Farley touts new practice facility

First minor league game gets things started tonight at Field of Dreams site

Knoxville set to host sprint car racing’s biggest event

Iowa State basketball builds on its identity

More Sports

eNews and Updates

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Archives

Copyright © 2022 ยท Learfield News & Ag, LLC