It's been two years since the Smoke Free Illinois Act went into effect, but only in the last few months has anyone in the metro-east been cited for breaking the law.
John McGuire, assistant state's attorney in Madison County, said the original law had what lawyers thought were technical defects.
"When the legislature passed amendments (last summer) to fix those defects we were ready to implement it," he said.
The Madison County Health Department sent out letters saying they were serious this time, he said.
"They were able to issue citations a few months ago," he said.
The law specifies that smokers must remain at least 15 feet from a door or entrance or exit and not near ventilation intakes at public places, buildings, restaurants, bars and taverns.
Sharon Valentine, environmental health manager for the St. Clair County Health Department, said the department had issued five citations so far.
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