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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AP) -- The list of places people can smoke in Utah shrinks Monday.
New smoking restrictions will take effect that ban smoking at private elementary and secondary schools as well as at unlicensed day care providers. Smoking in social, fraternal and religious organization buildings will also be prohibited Monday.
Eventually, changes to the Indoor Clean Air Act passed by the Utah Legislature earlier this year will ban smoking in all taverns and private clubs.
"Controlling the public's exposure to the pollutants of secondhand smoke has become an international health concern," said Heather Borski, who manages the tobacco prevention and control program for the state health department.
The changes result from Senate Bill 19. It prohibits smoking in private clubs and taversn receiving licenses after May 15. As of Jan. 7, 2007, all Class A, B and C private clubs will be smoke-free. On Jan. 1, 2009, all taverns and Class D private clubs will be smoke free, as well.
The Utah Department of Public Health is mounting a public information campaign for the rest of the year to inform the public about the changes in the law.
Postcards and letters will be distributed to organizations affected by the law. Television and radio advertisements will follow later in year along with posters and other material to inform the public about enforcement dates.
On Thursday, some clubs will go smoke-free for a day to demonstrate what the smoking ban will be like when it finally takes effect statewide.
"We support 'Smoke-Free Utah' and look at May 4 as the first step toward going smoke free in the future," said Spencer Alston, co-owner of the Bayou. "Although some customers may be unhappy initially, we know this will ultimately be the best decision for the halth of our employees and the total experience for our customers."
In 2007, the smoking ban will be in place for country clubs, lodges and patriotic clubs, and fine dining establishments with liquor licenses.
Twelve other states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, have legislation barring indoor smoking.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
