State health officials have received just seven complaints about businesses violating a statewide smoking ban that took effect a week ago.
The Montana Clean Indoor Air Act outlawed smoking in all public buildings except bars and casinos four years ago. As of Oct. 1, bars and casinos also had to begin observing the ban.
Five of the complaints made to the state Department of Public Health and Human Services were about businesses that should have gone smoke-free in 2005, said Stacy Campbell, director of the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program. Only two were about a bar or casino.
Businesses that violate the ban receive an educational letter after a first offense. A second offense brings a warning and third, fourth and fifth offenses result in $100, $200 and $500 fines.
No complaints were made in Yellowstone County, said Hillary Harris, director of population health at RiverStone Health.
"As far as we know, it's going really, really well," Harris said. "We're really pleased."
In addition to the handful of complaints, the state fielded 25 calls from people with questions about the ban, Campbell said.
The most-asked question was about whether the ban mandates how far smokers must stand from the entrance of a building. It does not.
The next-most common question was about electronic cigarettes. Some establishments began selling e-cigarettes, which steam tobacco and emit a vapor instead of smoke, as a way to placate their smoking customers.
But Campbell said the devices are not legal to sell in Montana and are considered cigarettes under the Clean Indoor Air Act.
Montana was the 18th state to enact a comprehensive smoking ban. Another 14 states ban smoking in some public places.
About 16 percent of Montanans are smokers, compared with 20 percent of Americans overall.
Calls to the Montana Tobacco Quit Line did not significantly increase in the last week. The Quit Line offers free counseling and nicotine replacement products.
Campbell said the Quit Line might get busier as the weather turns colder and smokers no longer want to stand outside.
"I think the Montana winter is going to be a cessation aid," she said.
Contact Diane Cochran at dcochran@billingsgazette.com or 657-1287.
Posted in State-and-regional on Thursday, October 8, 2009 6:15 pm | Tags: Smoking Ban
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