Published: November 14, 2009 12:30 am      

New clean air rules take effect Monday

SUTTONS BAY -- New clean indoor air regulations for Leelanau and Benzie counties go into effect Monday.

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department's Clean Indoor Air Regulation provides for smoke-free work places and public spaces following approval by both county boards. Exempted from the ordinance are bars and restaurants, private residences except for child care, health-care and adult day-care facilities, tobacco specialty stores and tribal casinos.

"This regulation will help us protect the public's health," county Health Officer William Crawford said. "Employees will now be protected from the dangerous chemicals and cancer-causing agents in secondhand smoke."

County health officials said letters and information packets were sent to all businesses covered by the regulation. Free smoke-free sign decals are available by calling the Benzie-Leelanau Smokefree Worksite Regulation Hotline at 256-0232.