You smoke in the room, you pay (new law)

It’s already on the books that anyone who smokes in a designated nonsmoking hotel or motel room is guilty of a misdemeanor. Effective Aug. 1, 2008, the smoker will also pay damages to get the room back to its smoke-free condition.

Thanks to the new law, sponsored by Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. D. Scott Dibble (DFL-Mpls), the previous $100 cap for damages is gone.

The new law also states that if an offender does not reimburse the innkeeper in 30 days, a $100 civil penalty may be added, as well as reasonable attorney fees up to $500.

HF1825/SF2809*/CH355