Last month the Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn ratified a bill introduced by Republican Ronald Wait to outlaw possession of any type of tobacco products by minors younger than 18 years old.

Ronald Wait, author of the law declared that the legislation was rather wise, because it has been illegal for a long period of time for any adolescent to buy tobacco products; however, they could get cigarettes by other means and possess them without any problems. That was the main reason for introducing the ban prohibiting possession and use of tobacco by minors.

The latest anti-smoking law designates a multilevel system that punishes the offenders by a complex of measures including fines, community services and education. The first-time violators have to pay $25 or work 15 hours in community service; second violation will cost $50 and 25 hours of community work; and third violation is equaled to $100 fee and 30 hours of service.

Any subsequent offence in more than 1 year after the first or the last offense is regarded as a first offense. An adolescent may be required to enroll in an awareness or youth recreation program in case such programs are available in the violator’s home town. Violators will have to pay an enrolment fee in order to attend one of aforementioned programs.

Speaking about the approval of the bill, Rep. Wait said that the educative part is the best thing of that legislation, because it has been evident that educating adolescents about health risks and severe complications related to the use of tobacco, particularly in such a tender age.

However, the Illinois new law comes a poor second in comparison to the fee system adopted by the South Beloit City. The city’s Mayor, Randy Kirichkow said that according to the new citywide law, any youngster violating the ordinance will pay $100 for the first infringement; $250, for the second and $500 for the third one. The Mayor said that the corresponding bill was adopted; however, the fine system is currently being drafted by the attorney of the city.

The head of the South Beloit Police Department Thomas Fern admitted that municipal officials are authorized to pass regulations more rigorous than statewide ones, so, the city’s fine system will surpass the Illinois fine system. Despite the fines could in the end be paid by parents, the Police chief said that fines would deter minors from smoking and demands parental liability. In case underage offenders have no money they would be subject to community service. But, teenage smoking hasn’t been a big problem for South Beloit officials. Last year, the local police officers handed 10 citations, three less than in 2007. Within 10 months of 2009, they have already handed only 4.

In another Illinois city, Rockton, fee system for an adolescent in possession of tobacco products is identical to the statewide, with a $25 fine for the first violation, which increases twofold with subsequent violations. According to Rockton mayor, children who have collected many fees would be enrolled to work in community service.