State promotes its restrictions on smoking

Publication Date: 2006-06-27

• Publication:Boston Globe

Maine is touting its ban on smoking in public buildings as another reason for vacationers to visit the state.

Five signs are being posted this week at various locations along the Maine Turnpike and Interstate 95 to let motorists know that it's against the law to light up in places such as government buildings, restaurants and bars.

"Breathe easy, you're in Maine," the blue signs with white lettering say. "All indoor public places are smoke-free."

Gov. John Baldacci will help unveil the new signs Wednesday at the Maine Tourist Information Center in Yarmouth. The signs will be placed at that location and at highway visitor centers in Kittery, Kennebunk, Lewiston and Houlton, according to MaryBeth Welton, program manager for the Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine.

Dr. Dora Anne Mills, who heads the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said Maine may be "the first state in the nation to promote itself as a smoke-free state."