MDCH: Michigan's Smoking Ban Is Working

DETROIT (WWJ) - According to a state department, Michigan's smoking ban is working.

A new survey from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) shows nearly 1,500 violations have been issued since the smoke-free law took effect last May.

Of those 1,500 violations, 117 resulted in citations. Two establishments were also ordered to close their doors until compliance was reached.

James McCurtis, spokesman for the MDCH, believes the popularity of the law is a major reason why there have been so few violations.

"It shows us that local health departments are making sure that businesses are following the rules, making sure that citizens and residents in these different businesses are following theses rules. It also shows that businesses are receptive of the law and they are respecting the law," McCurtis said.

Compliance with the law isn't the only thing that's improving.

A MDCH study released last month reported restaurant and bar employees have experienced decreased levels of secondhand smoke exposure in their system since the law's inception.