Health district to be chief smoking ban enforcer

A new Washington state law banning smoking in public places, at places of employment and within 25 feet of business doorways, windows and air-intake vents takes effect Thursday. So what if your favorite joint refuses to lift the haze?

The Spokane Regional Health District will be responsible for citing businesses that are out of compliance. Complaints against businesses must be made in writing. A form can be obtained at www.srhd.org/health/tobacco/default.asp or by calling (509) 324-1553.

After a first-violation warning, business owners can be fined $100 for each day smoking is allowed. Repeated violations can result in referral to Superior Court.

Complaints against individuals breaking the law should be made to local law enforcement. The Spokane Police Department’s business line is (509) 625-4000.

Health district spokeswoman Julie Graham said she expected the vast majority of complaints to go through the district since business owners and managers will primarily be responsible for keeping patrons from smoking.

But a brochure by the Washington Restaurant Association advises business owners that their responsibility and liability only extends to areas of service under their control.

“Sidewalks, parking lots and public streets are clearly not an ‘area of service,’ ” the brochure states. “You should always tell your customers who are going to smoke about the 25-foot rule and that not complying could mean they might get a ticket from local law enforcement.”