Anti-Smoking Regs at Workplaces Effective April 3

(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams today reminded District residents and business owners that the new Smoke-free Workplaces law which prohibits smoking in indoor public places such as restaurant dining areas, offices and apartment lobbies, will take effect on Monday, April 3. The smoking ban will extend to bar areas of restaurants, taverns, nightclubs and brewpubs on January 1, 2007.

"The public needs to be aware of the April 3 implementation date of this critical new law, so I encourage all city businesses to update their workplace smoking policies to reflect the new law," said Mayor Williams. "'No smoking' signs should be posted at entrances to businesses and in prominent places, and employers should talk with customers and employees about the law and how to comply."

The DC Department of Health's Tobacco Control Program will hold several roundtables throughout the District to explain the new law and to provide businesses and the public with the resources they need for effective implementation. For more information, residents and business owners should contact the Department of Health Tobacco Control Program at 202-671-5000.

Individuals can access the Website for the Tobacco Control Program by logging on to www.doh.dc.gov for smoke-free informational brochures, complaint forms and downloadable "no smoking" signage.

There will be regulations forthcoming over the next 45 to 60 days that will address components of the smoking ban legislation, namely how businesses can qualify for an economic hardship waiver. Officials at the Department of Health are working with smoking ban advocates and the hospitality industry to develop balanced and appropriate rules.

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