Health departments logged 1,126 complaints in year since smoking ban

Since Michigan went smoke-free on May 1, 2010, local health departments have verified 1,126 complaints of smoking in bars, restaurants and bowling alleys, the state reported Thursday.

Of those violations, 101 resulted in citations, and two establishments were ordered to stop operating until they complied with the law.

In other non-food-type workplaces, 365 violations were found, resulting in 16 citations.

Some counties, like Oakland and Washtenaw, found violations but didn't fine the offending establishments, according to records the Detroit Free Press obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Macomb and Wayne counties handed out several dozen $100 fines to restaurants and bars. Macomb County gave out a few $500 fines to second offenders.

The Michigan Department of Community Health said its survey showed that compliance with the smoking ban has been good.

But many establishments, especially bars, continue to complain bitterly about the law, citing sharply reduced sales.