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Montana Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect Thursday

By Beacon Staff

HELENA – Smoking in Montana’s bars, casinos and restaurants is no longer allowed.

The state’s full smoking ban goes into effect Thursday, banning smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces.

Most public places were first required to go smoke-free in 2005 after the Legislature passed the Clean Indoor Air Act. But that bill extended the deadline to this year for those bars open to adults that received most of their money from alcohol and gambling.

Proponents argued in pushing the measure that nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke dramatically increase their risk of heart disease.

Casino and bar owners argues unsuccessfully that the ban would hit their bottom line.

Businesses that violate the law are subject first to warnings and later fines that can run as high as $500. Smokers can be fined up to $100 for violating the ban.