Illinois to ban indoor vaping starting on New Year’s Day

Illinois will ban indoor vaping in public places starting in 2024, including a $100 fine for first-time violators of the law.

Lawmakers amended the 2008 Smoke-Free Act, which prohibits smoking in public places, to include e-cigarettes. "Public places" include privately owned properties such as bars and restaurants.

The law imposes a $100 fine for first-time violations, with subsequent violations incurring a $250 fine. Similarly, businesses found in violation will face a $250 fine for the first offense, a $500 fine for the second offense, and a $2,500 fine if they violate again within a year of the first offense.

As of March 2023, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 17 other states in the U.S. have already banned indoor vaping. In Illinois, 30 cities had previously banned indoor vaping, but the new law makes it statewide.

Illinois will implement over 150 new laws in 2024, with the vaping ban taking effect on New Year's Day. Governor J.B. Pritzker stated when signing the law in June that it would bring public health benefits.

Pritzker said, "The people of Illinois should enjoy public spaces without having to unwillingly be exposed to secondhand vapor and other e-cigarette byproducts. Now, vaping and e-cigarettes will fall under existing smoking bans, reducing air pollution and making Illinois healthier and more accessible."