As you know, the Iowa Smokefree Air Act became effective on July 1, 2008. In the 30 days since the Act has been in effect, the Iowa Department of Health has received hundreds of complaints, and many businesses have received “notices of violation” of the law. The purpose of this email is to remind you of the obligations of employers under the Act.
The Act prohibits smoking in public areas and places of employment in Iowa. Smoking is prohibited in vehicles owned, leased, or provided by the employer as well. In order to comply with the new law, all Iowa employers must do the following:
• Post “no-smoking” signs at entrances to non-smoking areas
• Inform all employees about the provisions of the law
• Remove all ashtrays from areas where smoking is prohibited
The Act also specifically prohibits employers from “discharge[ing], refus[ing] to employ, or in any manner retaliate[ing] against an employee, applicant for employment, or customer because that employee, applicant, or customer exercises any rights afforded under [the Act], registers a complaint, or attempts to prosecute a violation of [the Act].”
If you have any questions about your obligations under the Smokefree Air Act, or about any other matter, please contact a member of Ahlers & Cooney’s Employment Practice Group.
The Ahlers & Cooney Employment & Labor Law Practice Group.
About Ahlers & Cooney's Client Alerts
Our Client Alerts are intended to provide occasional general comments on new developments in Federal and State law and regulations which we believe might be of interest to our clients. The Client Alerts should not be considered opinions of Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., and are not intended to provide legal advice as a substitute for seeking professional counsel. Readers should not under any circumstance act upon the information in this publication without seeking specific professional counsel. Ahlers & Cooney will be pleased to provide additional details regarding any article upon request. Additional copies of this Client Alert may be obtained by contacting any attorney in the Firm or by visiting the Firm's website at www.ahlerslaw.com.
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