Just three weeks after Montana’s full smoking ban went into effect, Lewis and Clark County issued its first warning letter for violation of the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act.

The Montana Clean Indoor Air Act protects the right of citizens to breathe clean air and supports public health by prohibiting smoking in any enclosed public place or workplace. Businesses must also post “no-smoking” signs that are clearly visible at all public entrances. Health officials are taking all violations of the new law very seriously.

On October 21st, the Lewis and Clark City-County Health Department issued its very first warning letter for violation of the Montana Clean Indoor Act to Sandy Jones, owner of the Best Bet Casino on Euclid Avenue in Helena. Jones was cited for, “evidence of smoking, such as ashtrays and cigarette butts, in an enclosed public place.”

A person who owns, manages, operates, or otherwise controls a public place or workplace and fails to comply with the provisions of the Clean Indoor Air Act is guilty of a misdemeanor after a third violation within a 3-year period. Those who violate the law will receive a written warning for the 1st violation, a written reprimand for a 2nd violation, and within any 3-year period, a fine of $100 for a 3rd violation, $200 for a 4th violation, and $500 for a 5th or subsequent violation.

Melanie Reynolds, Public Health Officer for the Lewis and Clark City-County Health Department, explains, “One of the important goals is to ensure that all businesses are held to the same standard, that there’s an even playing field, and of course one of the goals is to provide a healthy, smoke-free environment for patrons and employees. This is a law that affects all Montanans, so it’s really important for citizens to be involved.”

Health officials say they are heavily dependent upon the public’s help in enforcing the new law, and to report a violation you can visit www.tobaccofree.mt.gov or contact the Lewis and Clark County Tobacco Use Prevention Program at 457-8924.