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:

- Excludes private residences, retail tobacco shops, up to 25 percent of hotel or motel rooms, and home offices. - Forbids employees from smoking in any indoor place of employment. - Establishes civil punishments for violations including a written citation on the first violation, a $100 fine for the second offense, and a $250 fine for all subsequent violations. - Provides that the funds collected from violations of this act will be deposited in the Cigarette Restitution Fund.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

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

Highlights:

- Excludes private residences, retail tobacco shops, up to 25 percent of hotel or motel rooms, and non-profit "clubs" [sec. 1 (24-505)(1-4)]. - Forbids employees from smoking in any indoor place of employment [sec. 1 (5-608)(A)]. - Establishes civil punishments for violations of the act including a $100 fine for the first offense and a $250 fine for all subsequent violations [sec. 1 (24-509)(A)]. - Allows establishments to apply for a temporary waiver, allowing them time to comply without "undue financial hardship" [sec. 1 (24-508)(A)].

Full Bill Text