Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act

On June 10, 2008 Pennsylvania’s legislators passed a Clean Indoor Air Bill that will protect thousands of Pennsylvanian workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke.  By a vote of 41-9, the Senate passed Senate Bill 246, a compromised version of the Clean Indoor Air Act.

Governor Ed Rendell signed Senate Bill 246 into law on Friday, June 13th.   The bill will go into effect 90 days from when the Governor signed the bill.

The new law eliminates smoking in restaurants, nightclubs and many workplaces, but it exempts casinos, some bars, private clubs, truck stops, tobacco-related businesses and promotional events, residential adult care facilities (such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers), non-profit fundraisers, cigar bars and outdoor recreational facilities, such as arenas.

Localities such as Allegheny County, Erie County and the City of Scranton have all adopted stronger ordinances, but will not be able to implement them under the current law. Philadelphia’s ban on smoking in indoor public places will stand, but the city will not be able to strengthen it.

Tobacco Free Allegheny will be working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Allegheny County Health Department in implementing the Clean Indoor Air Act. We will continue to update you on this new law and the progress taken to make it a reality.

Clean Indoor Air Act
Clean Indoor Air Fact Sheet

Informative Links regarding the Clean Indoor Air Legislation:

Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco (PACT)
Pennsylvania Department of Health