– N.D. Smoke-Free Law, Starts Dec 6

Law takes effect Dec 6, 2012

Information from Americans For Non-Smokers Rights

http://www.no-smoke.org/goingsmokefree.php?id=157

On November 6, 2012, in a landslide decision (66% – 33%), North Dakota voters chose to put a stronger smokefree state law in place. Voters from each of North Dakota’s 53 counties and all legislative districts voiced support for making North Dakota the 24th state, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to require all non-hospitality workplaces, restaurants, and bars to be 100% smokefree. In addition, North Dakota’s smokefree law adds provisions to require all gaming/gambling facilities to be 100% smokefree.

North Dakota’s initiative makes all public places 100% smokefree, including: bars, all worksites, truck stops, hotels/motels, retail tobacco stores, gambling and gaming facilities, child and adult day care facilities, within 20 feet of entrances and even a few outdoor places. Because research has not shown that electronic cigarettes are safe for bystanders, e-cigarettes are also prohibited where smoking is not allowed.

In addition, 14 local communities in North Dakota now have 100% smokefree laws.

North Dakota law does not preempt the passage of local smokefree laws.

Several cities in North Dakota have enacted local laws that are stronger than the current state law. Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Napoleon, and West Fargo, have 100% smokefree laws covering workplaces, including restaurants and bars. Several other cities are considering strong local laws to close existing loopholes in the state law. See an ad placed in the Fargo Forum, congratulating the cities of Fargo and West Fargo for 2 years of easy breathing thanks to their local smokefree ordinances.