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The Department of Health, as mandated by law, will begin enforcement of the VI Smoke-free Act on Thursday.
“We remind the public that enforcement of the Smoke-free Act takes effect February 10, 2011,” Health Commissioner Julia Sheen said, adding that a three-month extension for residents and businesses to come into compliance with the law proved valuable.
The three-month extension was granted in November and was followed by town hall meetings held on all three islands. The meetings, which were open to the public, were hosted by representatives from the departments of Health, Fire, and Licensing and Consumer Affairs.
“We received positive feedback at those meetings,” Sheen said Tuesday. “We heard from business owners that they already were complying with the law and that contrary to belief, they had not lost but gained customers as a result.”
Sheen said that the Department of Health is mandated by law as the lead agency for enforcement, however, officers from the VI Police Department and government agency employees with peace officer status, will also assist.
Residents and owners wishing to learn more about the Act can log on to
www.healthvi.org
and click on the “learn more” prompt on the Smoke-Free Act link.
Sheen said that most businesses also reported at last month’s meeting that they already have No Smoking signs at their establishments. However, by law, the sign must have specific language and the Department of Health’s phone number to report violations (See Attached).
“Business owners do not have to tear down current signs but should download a free copy of the required sign to also post at their establishment,” Sheen said.
DLCA Commissioner Wayne Biggs said that businesses applying for licenses or renewals will also be able to download the sign from the DLCA website soon.
Learn more about the law
and download the approved sign, here. |
