Enforcement of Howard County?s smoking ban will fall on the public and the owners of establishments where smoking is prohibited.
“I think [Howard County officials] know that for it to work, they will have to put the burden on the manager of the place,” said Stan Nasiatka, co-owner of the Three Nine?s Tavern in Jessup, which has an established smoking section.
The new law, which goes into effect Tuesday, prohibits smoking at public meetings, workplaces, newly opened restaurants and bars, concerts, sports events and events such as firework displays and festivals.
Restaurants and bars with smoking sections, such as Three Nines, have until June 1 to comply.
Individual violators will receive a $100 fine, and owners and managers of establishments that violate the law will receive a $250 fine.
Four agencies have the authority to write citations: the Health Department; the Department of Inspection, Licensing and Permits; the fire departments and the police, Howard County spokeswoman Victoria Goodman said.
County officials are also encouraging the public to report violations, particularly those in a public space, by filling out a form at www.co.ho.md.us/smokefreeviolationform.htm or by calling the police department.
Howard County police officers will receive a training bulletin to ensure they are educated on the new law, but for the most part, enforcement will be complaint-driven, police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn said.
For many bar and restaurant owners that currently have smoking areas, enforcement is a major concern. Rick Winter, co-owner of Ellicott Mills Brewing Company in Ellicott City, said he risks angering or turning away customers, but also getting a fine.
“They?re basically co-opting the business owners into being their police force,” he said.
