In less than two weeks from now, the Springfield Illinois Legislature will make a decision on bill HB 4012. If passed, it would allow some businesses to apply for smoking licenses that would allow their patrons to smoke in their establishments. Eligible establishments include bars, casinos, adult entertainment night clubs, and any establishment hosting a convention or exposition for selling cigars, pipes, tobacco and related smoking devices and accessories.

Photo by Elvert Barnes http://bit.ly/wZZJJj

In order to take part, businesses would be required to apply for and get a license through a local liquor control commission. It would require the establishment to let all employees know that smoking is allowed on the premises, install an air filtration system, and post a sign in a prominent place notifying the public that it has been designated as a smoking establishment.

The bill would be an amendment to the Smoke Free Illinois Act. Smoking in all indoor public places was banned in Illinois beginning January 1, 2008. State Representative Anthony DeLuca has proposed the bill after introducing a similar one last year. That one passed the committee but never made it to the floor for debate.

View the bill in its entirety here.

What do you think about this proposed legislation?