CONTACT: John J. Ferraioli
For Immediate Release

Health Officer������������� ����������������������� ����������� ����������� March 17, 2006

Tax Day and Smoke Free Day April 15^th

Following the governor�s signature, the �Smoke Free Air Act� becomes law on April 15^th, 2006.

On that date it will be unlawful for anyone to smoke in indoor workplaces and places open to the public.� Limited exemptions include casinos, cigar bars enclosed with separate ventilation, a tobacco retail store, private residencies and private vehicles.� Enforcement of this law is delegated to the New Jersey State Health Department and to local health departments.

The Kenilworth Health Department is asking those who are in control of indoor workplaces and places open to the public to become familiar with this new law before April 15^th to insure that their facilities will be compliant by that date.

While the Health Department will not specifically investigate each and every place that will be covered by this law on the 15^th, it will, by virtue of its routine inspections, issue violations to anyone who is not in compliance after that date.� It will however investigate any complaints made to the Health Department of violations after April 14^th.

Violations of this law come with a fine of $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1,000 for the third and each subsequent offense.� In addition to those in control of the public place or workplace, we are asking smokers to be aware that this law applies equally to them while they are at work or in public places.

Smokers who wish to stop smoking are encouraged to call the �NJ Quit Line� at 1-866-657-8677.� The benefits of quitting are life enhancing.� These life enhancing qualities include: a normal blood carbon monoxide level after 12 hours after your last cigarette; one year after your last smoke your risk of having a heart attack is half that of a smoker�s; and 10 years after your last cigarette your risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of a smoker.

For further information about non-smoking please contact the Kenilworth Health Department at 908-276-2740 or contact Prevention LINKS at 732-381-4100 or contact NJ GASP 908-273-9368.