Bismarck businesses preparing for smoking ban

Publication Date: 2012-12-03

• Author:Jessica Holdman
• Publication:Bismarck Tribune

As the statewide smoking ban goes into place Thursday, Bismarck businesses are still unsure what more they will have to do to comply.

The city of Bismarck passed a smoking ban more than a year ago, but there are still some state law requirements not covered by the city law. The state law bans smoking in all public buildings, including restaurants, bars, places of business, hotels, health care facilities, tobacco stores, workplace vehicles and taxis.

The Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control Policy is in the process of sending out informational packets to businesses, said Pat McGeary, coordinator of the Tobacco Prevention Program at Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health.

By today, businesses should receive the packet, containing a brochure, “no smoking” signs to hang in windows, a copy of the measure and a list of frequently asked questions telling businesses what they can do to comply with the law.

The law also bans smoking within 20 feet of all entrances, exits, windows, air intakes and ventilation systems. That includes back and side doors not normally accessed by the public, McGeary said.