The Indiana State Health Commissioner says it will mostly be left up to citizens to report violations of the Hoosier State’s new smoking ban.The law passed on the last day of the 2012 legislature prohibits smoking in many public buildings, but includes exemptions for casinos, bars, private clubs and other sites.Commissioner Dr. Gregory Larkin says the law did not create an inspection system."We really don’t have, if you will, a smoking police running out, it just be in the process of everyday work that if a institution or a business should be smoke free and is not we will be encouraging them to comply with the law," he said.Penalties for violating the ban will vary, based on their severity and frequency.The Indiana smoking ban takes effect July 1st.
Rick Howlett is host of WFPL's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." Email Rick at rhowlett@lpm.org.
