Smoke Free Arizona
The Smoke-Free Arizona Act was voted in by the citizens of Arizona in November 2006 and went into effect on May 1, 2007. This state-wide law prohibits smoking in all enclosed public areas and places of employment, including restaurants and bars, and prohibits smoking within 20 feet of any business entrance. The act was proposed not to control smokers, but to protect non-smokers in public places. Second-hand smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of them toxic and carcinogenic. Exposure to second-hand smoke can lead to lung and other cancers, emphysema, heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections and, in the case of unborn babies and infants, low birth weight and SIDS.
The LPC PHEPP conducts inspections and education throughout La Paz County to ensure compliance of the Smoke-Free Arizona Law. Businesses that are found to be in violation of the Law will be issued a Notice of Violation and a fine between $100 and $500 per violation, per day may be assessed. Citizens who witness a Smoke-free Arizona violation are encouraged to file a complaint anonymously at www.smokefreearizona.org or by calling 1-877-4-AZNOSMOKE or (928) 669-5912. For information on the Smoke-Free Arizona Act or to request information and/or to order signage, please contact the PHEPP office. Help Keep Your Community Healthy! |