WIUM Local
(2008-08-21)
The ordinance would basically mirror the state law. State's Attorney James Hoyle drafted the ordinance with the Health Department to make it easier for the county to enforce the law and punish violators.
But the county board voted 12-to-8 to table the issue. Chair, Scott Schwerer, feels it is an unnecessary ordinance. Schwerer says there is already a state law, so there is no reason to be redundant.
The ordinance calls for directing the infraction money to the county. Schwerer says he does not think it would generate a lot of additional money. Schwerer says he is not aware of any other counties in the area that have their own smoke free ordinance in place.
Additional Information:
*Schwerer feels the state should resolve any problems with the Smoke Free Illinois Act before the county passes an ordinance.
*Hoyle said one reason he wanted to draft an ordinance is because the state law is not clear on who is in charge of enforcing the law. Hoyle says other State's Attorney's have raised the same concerns and are also considering drafting legislation for their county. © Copyright 2009, wium
