Starting January 1, in broad New Year’s Eve celebration, all indoor smoking in public spaces will be strictly forbidden, according to the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. It may be a strange timing, but authorities don’t worry about that.

 As of 2008, smoking will be banned in offices, factory floors, stores, private clubs, prisons, bowling alleys, dormitories, stadiums, casinos, elevators and restrooms. However, smoking will be allowed in 25 percent of the hotel rooms, the tobacco shops and hookah bars, places that do not serve food or alcohol.

Even outdoor smoking is restricted according to the new law, as it will be strictly forbidden within 15 feet of the windows, entrances or exists.

Any case of illegal smoking is to be reported first to the manager of the place, and if that doesn’t take effect, to the authorities, dialing 311. The fines could vary from as low as $250 for the first violation, up to $2,500 for a third violation within a year.

Chicago implemented such a law since January, this year, and it proves to be among the harshest in the country. Apart from the smoking ban 15 feet of benches and city-run parks, Chicago also has the highest cigarette tax in the United States.

Though some might worry it will ruin business, officials say that, on the contrary, it will have beneficial effects, just like in New York or Boston. Illinois is the 23rd state to adopt a non-smoking law, and others will surely follow.

Secondhand smoking, also known as passive smoking or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), causes the same problems as direct smoking, including heart disease, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, bronchitis or asthma.

Research studies have shown that by reducing the exposure to tobacco, the risk of heart attack decreases as well. The 2002 report of the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization showed that nonsmokers are exposed to the same carcinogen factors and risks as direct smokers.