Statewide smoking ban takes effect July 1

The statewide smoking ban goes into effect on Sunday. As businesses prepare for the ban, there are visual signs of the change that's soon to take effect.

At Tegry Bistro in Traders Point Shopping Center, a little black-and-white sticker on their door makes it clear the restaurant is non-smoking only.

Nara Magsar with Tegry Bistro said the property management group for the shopping center put the stickers on all the doors for all the tenants. As of July 1, those stickers will be required by the state for most businesses as part of the statewide smoking ban.

  "Any public entrance of a public place or place of employment can no longer allow smoking within eight feet," said Corporal Travis Thickstun with the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.

That means most businesses around the state will have to put up some sort of signage as required by the new law. The signs don't have to be a certain size or font, but they do have to inform people that smoking is not allowed.

For those businesses exempt from the smoking ban, they aren't exempt from the signage requirement. Exempt businesses still have to put up signs warning people there is smoking allowed inside. Those exempt businesses include casinos, bars, private clubs, hookah and cigar lounges. The statewide ban will be in addition to many local municipalities rules that are already in effect regarding smoking.

Corporal Thickstun said eventually there will be fines for businesses without the correct signage, but they are going to work first to inform all the businesses of the change.

"Our primary focus will not be to go out and write as many tickets as possible July 1. Our focus, our goal will be to help businesses come into compliance with the law."

Magsar said Tegry Bistro has never allowed smoking.

"Nobody smokes inside the restaurant."

Even though they've never allowed smoking, the new law requires the signage. A sign Tegry Bistro is happy to display. Magsar said the new law means no more patio smokers.

"I don't have to worry about people sitting outside and smoking."

If you need signs for your business, you can print your own off at the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission website www.in.gov/atc or order a packet with stickers from the Indiana State Department of Health’s Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Commission's website at www.breatheindiana.com.