By Ben Calhoun, Chicago Public Radio
Chicago, IL – Illinois is now officially the 19th state to ban smoking in public places. Governor Rod Blagojevich signed the ban into law at a ceremony in Chicago today.
Scores of doctors, politicians, and health officials turned out for the signing as the ban became law. It affects all public places, including bars and restaurants. Fines for violations run from $100, all the way up to $2,500.
The state ban follows similar measures from many local governments including the City of Chicago and Cook County. It goes into effect January 1st, 2008.