Governor Perdue Signs the Georgia Smoke-Free Air Act

Publication

7.14.05

The Georgia Smoke-Free Air Act of 2005 ("Act"), which became effective on Friday, July 1, prohibits smoking inside most public areas throughout the state and sets strict guidelines for those establishments that still choose to allow smoking.

The Act prohibits smoking, 24 hours a day, in most enclosed facilities including buildings owned, leased or operated by the state and local government authorities, such as auditoriums, cafeterias and classrooms. In private workplaces, the Act prohibits smoking in common work areas, auditoriums, classrooms, conference and meeting rooms, private offices, elevators, employee lounges, hallways, stairways, restrooms, medical facilities, and all other enclosed facilities. It also prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places not specifically covered by an exemption.

As with most new legal developments, employers should educate themselves about this new law and take preventive efforts to comply, rather than risk violations and be subject to penalties for non-compliance.

This article appeared in the July 14, 2005 issue of the Forsyth County News.

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