ND Smoking Ban Begins | Video

Jessica Roose | 12/6/2012

It`s the day many non-smokers have been anticipating and many smokers have been dreading. The statewide smoking ban, which voters approved last month, is now in effect. North Dakota is officially the 30th state in the country with a smoking ban and many smokers are left wondering where they can still light up.

Up until now it was a common scene in many bars around the state. But now cigarettes are out and the no smoking signs are up.

"What makes our law especially protective of people of second hand smoke is that all enclosed areas in public places or places of employment are smoke free. But also 20 feet from entrances to buildings, whether that entrance is a door or an open and closed window," said Jeanne Prom with the Center for Tobacco Prevention.

Which leaves many smokers wondering where they can light up. Prom says as long as they abide by the 20 feet rule they can still smoke outside or in a private residence, so long as the home is not also a licensed daycare. She says when in doubt, look for an ashtray.

"Chances are if you don`t see an ashtray or an receptacle it`s a smoke free area."

The law will be enforced by states attorneys but Prom says for the most part it`s going to come down to the citizens of North Dakota.

"People who voted for this, a lot of people voted for this, 66.66 percent of the people voted in favor of this. They want this. There`s going to be high compliance, we don`t anticipate any problems."

She says the law will not only help protect North Dakotans from second hand smoke but it will also be an effective prevention measure for young people who will now grow up knowing that smoking is not allowed in these places.

For more information on the law, you can visit www.breathend.com.

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