Use the links on the right to find all the topics on Tobacco Free Lake County’s website.
On this page:
How do I report a violation of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act?
What are smoke-free laws in other states and countries?
What is smoke-free in my community?
What is the point of having smoke-free policies for outdoor areas?
My neighbor’s smoke bothers me. What can I do about it?
How can Tobacco Free Lake County help me make my rental property smoke-free?
What other websites have information about smoke-free housing and tobacco-free parks?
How do I report a violation of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act?
According to the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, indoor public places and workplaces must be smoke-free, including 15 feet from doors, windows, and vents. This includes private clubs, public transportation, government vehicles, and common areas of multi-unit housing. There are some exemptions for tobacco retailers, hotels, and long-term care facilities. For more details, see our handout Smoke-Free Illinois FAQ for Businesses (107KB PDF).
To report a violation, call 866-973-4646 or go to www.smoke-free.illinois.gov and click on “submit complaints.” From there, you can download a complaint form or click “on-line” to submit a complaint directly on the website.
What are smoke-free laws in other states and countries?
Back in 2007, Illinois was the 17th state to pass a smoke-free law. As of April 2012, there are 35 states with smoke-free laws covering their workplaces, restaurants, and/or bars. To find out more about smoke-free laws in other states and countries, check out the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights website.
What is smoke-free in my community?
Local cities and villages may pass smoke-free laws that are stricter than Smoke-Free Illinois, but may not allow smoking where state law prohibits it. Many Lake County communities have passed local ordinances stronger than the state to include a greater distance from the doorway, outdoor dining, vehicle platforms, public parks, and outdoor events. For an overview, see our handout on Smoke-Free Laws in Lake County (152KB PDF). For up to date information, it is best to contact the city or village.
What is the point of having smoke-free policies for outdoor areas?
Lake County residents use parks and other outdoor areas as a means to improve their physical fitness, enjoy time with their family, or get in touch with nature. Unfortunately, many encounter littered tobacco products and secondhand smoke while they are there. Inside or out, tobacco is harmful to your health, and the litter is harmful to the Earth. Read our handout Tobacco-Free Parks Make Sense (232KB PDF) for more details.
If you are interested in approaching your village or park district about a tobacco-free parks policy, see our Tobacco-Free Parks Toolkit (867KB PDF), which contains even more fact sheets on outdoor tobacco smoke, as well as sample policies, and the Illinois Association of Park Districts position statement.
My neighbor’s smoke bothers me. What can I do about it?
If unwanted tobacco smoke is drifting into your apartment, you are not alone. Smoke from just one tenant smoking indoors can drift into several other units, causing health problems and reducing the quality of life for other residents. Check out these Tenant Action Steps (46KB PDF) created by Americans for Nonsmoker’s Rights for a clear idea of what to do.
For help finding smoke-free apartments and other rental housing in Illinois. visit www.ilsmokfreehousing.org or www.showmetherent.com/IL where a smoke-free policy is one of the searchable amenities.
More information on secondhand smoke in apartment buildings is available on our Fact Sheets page, as well as on many other websites dedicated to smoke-free housing, which are listed on our Links page. For help finding the information you need, don’t hesitate to call Tobacco Free Lake County at 847-377-8090.
How can Tobacco Free Lake County help me make my rental property smoke-free?
If you are a landlord seriously considering a smoke-free policy for one or more of your buildings, Tobacco Free Lake County can provide assistance with:
- Resident surveys
- Presentations to residents and/or staff
- Policy development
- Policy implementation such as signage and promotion
- Quit tobacco resources such as quit kits and on-site quit groups
Just give us a call at 847-337-8090 and together we’ll develop a plan that is best for you, your property, and your residents. You can also get started on your own by reviewing our Smoke-Free Housing Landlord Toolkit (3MB) or taking the free on-line course offered by the American Lung Association (simply request a username and password at the provided email address). Also be sure to check our some of the smoke-free housing Web sites on our Links page and the materials on our Fact Sheets page. If you are unable to open any of the documents, request a hard copy by contacting us at 847.377.8090 or TFLC@lakecountyil.gov.
If you do make your property smoke-free, don't forget to list it for free at www.ilsmokefreehousing.org.
What other websites have information about smoke-free housing and tobacco-free parks?
Visit our Links page to see a list of other websites.
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