Wisconsin's New Smoking Ban Takes Effect

By Sally Piefer

Wisconsin's new indoor smoking ban takes effect on July 5, 2010. The ban affects many indoor areas, including private places of employment and areas open to the general public.

Posting Signs

All businesses covered under the law must post signs prohibiting smoking at entrances and in prominent locations inside your establishment. Signs should also provide directions or establish a location for outdoor smoking. (If you have not yet posted the Smoking Ban poster, please download a copy below.)

Employee Break Rooms

If you offer a break room for your employees to smoke, that also changes under the new law. Employees (like customers) need to smoke outside. In fact, the smoke-free law prohibits employers from providing any indoor smoking. This includes separately ventilated rooms.

Compliance, Enforecement and Penalities

Compliance with the law is the responsibility of the owner, manager or other person in charge. Local law enforcement will administer the law.

If a person in charge does not enforce the law, the business and/or the person in charge can be fined $100. Any person who continues to smoke in a smoke-free establishment can be fined $100 to $250.

Downloads & Resources

• Download Poster (PDF)
• Visit Official Smoking Ban Site

Published: 06/2010