Signed by Governor Martin O'Malley

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that bans smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places beginning February 1, 2008.

Highlights:

- Prohibits smoking in an indoor area open to the public, or in any indoor place of employment. - Excludes private residences, retail tobacco shops, up to 25 percent of hotel or motel rooms, and clubs, which are defined as non-profit associations. - Allows county health officers to provide a waiver on the ban to restaurants, coffee shops, tea rooms, or similar establishments that would endure "undue financial hardship." - Establishes civil punishments for violations of the act, fining $100 for the first violation and $250 for every violation thereafter.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that bans smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places beginning February 1, 2008.

Highlights:

-Prohibits smoking in an indoor area open to the public, or in any indoor place of employment [sec.1 (24-504)(1-4)]. -Excludes private residences, retail tobacco shops, and up to 25 percent of hotel or motel rooms [sec.1 (24-505)(1-3)]. -Permits individuals and businesses to petition the state to waive their compliance with Act [sec.1 (24-509)(A)(D)]. -Establishes civil punishments for violation of the Act, including a written warning for the first offense, a $100 fine for the second offense, and a fine of up to $250 for all subsequent violations [sec.1 (24-508)(A)(3)].

Full Bill Text