Article: No ifs, ands or butts -- employers need to be ready to go smokefree
4/5/2010 Christopher P. Mazzoli
On December 18, 2009, Michigan became the 38th state to pass a general smoking ban. The new law, which will take effect on May 1, 2010, prohibits smoking in areas controlled by a state or local government agency, places of employment, restaurants, bars and hotels. Cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores in existence on May 1, 2010 that meet certain conditions are exempt from the new law and may permit smoking on their premises. Similarly, casinos in existence on May 1, 2010 may permit smoking in their gaming areas, but not in the bars and restaurants located in the casinos. The no smoking law does not apply to casinos operated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This article will focus on the law's impact on places of employment.
