Still imperfect no-smoking law

At the same time the state is running television commercials congratulating itself on the first anniversary of its no-smoking law, legislators were fixing the law to toughen enforcement. It wouldn't be surprising if more fixes were to come.

Right from the start there were problems with Illinois' ground-breaking no-smoking law. For one thing there was not uniform enforcement. The American Lung Association of Illinois said several counties – Will, Lake, Cook and Sangamon among them – did a good job of enforcing the law. But the record was spotty in other counties, especially downstate, where there was a more laissez-faire approach. With enough public complaints the law would be enforced; otherwise authorities might look the other way.