Everyone in Indiana is breathing a little easier, thanks to state and local lawmakers passing laws to protect Hoosiers and visitors from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Indiana continues working to protect all Hoosiers, in all workplaces, in any public facility in every County.
SMOKE-FREE AIR WON'T HURT YOUR BOTTOM LINE
The stories of three business owners featured in this video offer their experiences about going smoke-free. Despite initial misgivings by some of them about going smoke-free, the owners report that business is good (in some instances better), and workers and customers no longer suffer from exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). Get the bottom line on going smoke-free. Click here
FORT WAYNE'S 20 FOOT RULE
In 2007, Fort Wayne passed a law prohibiting smoking inside public buildings and within 20 feet of the entrance of public buildings. Businesses in Fort Wayne are governed by the 20 foot rule, meaning smoking is not allowed within 20 feet of any business entrance. Fort Wayne’s smoke-free air law is stronger than the statewide law (passed in 2012) which only prohibits smoking within 8 feet of business entrances.
Please click here for more information and business requirements.
FORT WAYNE HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Fort Wayne Housing Authority (FWHA) made all of their public housing units smoke-free on January 1, 2013. In addition to the living units, the new rule prohibits smoking within 20 feet of the buildings, and in all common areas. Congratulations to the FWHA for supporting healthy living.
THE INDIANA LAW
In all 92 Indiana counties most workers are protected from the dangers of secondhand smoke. The law protects all workers except workers in casinos, membership clubs, bars and tobacco shops.
LOCAL LAWS
Below are towns, cities and counties with stronger smoke-free air laws than the state. The local laws may prohibit smoking in all public places, including bars and taverns. There may also be local laws that prohibit electronic cigarettes.
Click here to know what to expect in these towns, cities and counties below.
Bloomington, IN
Columbus, IN
Cumberland, IN
Delaware County (Includes Muncie, IN)
Elkhart, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Franklin, IN
Greencastle, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Lawrence, IN
Plainfield, IN
Vanderburgh County (Includes Evansville)
Vigo County (Includes Terre Haute)
West Lafayette, IN
Zionsville, IN
Testimonials
Smoke-free air won’t hurt your bottom line. Learn more from smoke-free hospitality business owners in this new video.
I’m Breathing Easier
“I was afraid that going smoke-free would cause me to lose business, but that was not the case. In fact, business has been up. Many former customers have come back, now that we are smoke-free.”
Tracy Robertson - Owner, Mass Avenue Pub - Indianapolis, IN
www.massavepub.com
The Way of the Future
“Smoke-free is the way of the future. Going smoke-free has improved our bottom line and the year we decided to go smoke-free we had a stellar year.”
Jeff Smith - Partner, Harry & Izzy's
www.harryandizzys.com
We Have Seen a lot of New Faces
“Honestly, I was afraid to go totally smoke-free without the law,
because I thought we would lose business. We have seen a lot of
new faces, and we have kept our regulars. I am really happy the law
leveled the playing field, and eliminated the excuses for not going
smoke-free. It feels really good to breathe clean air while working.”
Tom Sutton - Owner, Coaches Tavern
www.coachestavern.com