Health inspectors train to enforce workplace smoking ban

Health inspectors train to enforce workplace smoking ban

September 11, 2007

By DON DARE
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Health inspectors in East Tennessee trained Tuesday to enforce the rules for the state's new workplace smoking ban, which goes into effect October 1.

In class Tuesday, inspectors learned who's exempt from the ban and who isn't.

The first time an inspector catches someone lighting up in a smoke free facility, management receives a warning.

"If we find them in violation after that, the establishment is subject to a $100 fine. Then, any second violation, or subsequent violation, in that 12 month period is a $500 fine," explains Hugh Atkins, with the state health department.

The new state law prohibits smoking in any building where people gather. That includes restaurants, bars and workplaces.

Smoking in restaurant rooms that are ventilated is also prohibited.  

Exemptions to the workplace smoking ban include:

• Open air patios
• Bars or restaurants that prohibit people under age 21 at all times
• Businesses employing no more than three workers
• Nursing homes
• Retail tobacco stores

If you're caught smoking at a smoke free facility after October 1, you can be fined $50.