Regional Office of Prevention Effectiveness Services

Providing prevention services to Illinois

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The Smoke-free Illinois Act (SB 500) went into effect on January 1, 2008.  The act prohibits smoking in public places, places of employment and governmental vehicles.  Smoking is also now prohibited within 15 feet of an entrance to a public place or place of employment as well as within 15 feet of windows that open and ventilation intakes.  Business owners and employers are required to post “No Smoking” signs with the international “No Smoking” symbol in a clear and conspicuous place as well as remove all ashtrays from locations where smoking is prohibited.  The Illinois Department of Public Health as well as local public health departments and local law enforcement agencies are required to enforce the act and may assess fines for violation of it.

For more information please visit: www.smokefreeillinois.org

Smoke Free Illinois

Early in the school year, the Illinois Legislature passed Senate Bill 158. This bill, known as the “Liquor Control, Under 21 Invitees” Law, increases penalties for parents  and guardians who knowingly supply or allow alcohol in their homes for underage guests which results in serious injury or death to the underage guest or any  individual injured or killed by the underage guest. Previously classified as a misdemeanor, this infraction of the law is now considered a felony. If convicted, the parent or guardian could face 1-3 years in prison and pay up to $125,000 in fines.

This law was passed by the Illinois Legislature on July 5, 2007, and went into effect on Aug. 31, 2007. The law was introduced by Sen. Susan Garrett as a result of a wave of deadly teen car crashes in Deerfield and Oswego, Illinois. In each case, the parents either supplied the alcohol or were fully aware the students were drinking and did nothing to intervene.

National statistics paint an alarming picture of parental lack of vigilance. Research from the National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University shows that by the time a teen reaches age 17, almost half (46 percent) will have attended a party at which teens were drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, or using cocaine or other illegal or prescription drugs while a parent was present. Additionally, youth who drink are 7.5 times more likely to use any illicit drug, more than 22 times more likely to use marijuana and 50 times for likely to use cocaine than youth who never drank. Lastly, research commissioned by The Century Council reveals that 65% of underage youth who drink obtain alcohol from family and friends. Equally important, only 7% of youth report that they obtained alcohol from retailers who failed to check for identification.

To read the details of this law click here.

 

Illinois Social Host Law

65% of underage youth who drink obtain alcohol from family and friends.

©2007  Regional Office of Prevention Effectiveness Services

The Illinois smoking ban is now in effect.