State to promote smoking restrictions ‘Breathe easy, you’re in Maine,’ signs say

PORTLAND – Maine is touting its ban on smoking in public buildings as another reason for vacationers to visit the state.

Five signs are being posted this week at locations along the Maine Turnpike and Interstate 95 to let motorists know that it’s against the law to light up in places such as government buildings, restaurants and bars.

“Breathe easy, you’re in Maine,” the blue signs with white lettering say. “All indoor public places are smoke-free.”

Gov. John Baldacci will help unveil the new signs today at the Maine Tourist Information Center in Yarmouth. The signs will be placed at that location and at highway visitor centers in Kittery, Kennebunk, Lewiston and Houlton, according to MaryBeth Welton, program manager for the Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine.

Dr. Dora Anne Mills, who heads the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said Maine may be “the first state in the nation to promote itself as a smoke-free state.”

She said the signs are intended to promote awareness among both visitors and Mainers who aren’t familiar with the state’s smoking restrictions.

The signs will help underline for visitors an added benefit of vacationing in Maine, said Phil Savignano, a spokesman for the Maine Office of Tourism.

“It’s got to be a good thing for them to know their restaurants and … everywhere else they go to won’t impact their health coming up here,” he said.

Maine’s first law limiting smoking in public places was enacted 25 years ago. Most recently, lawmakers in 2003 repealed a smoking ban exemption for taverns, lounges and pool halls.

A similar “Breathe easy, you’re in Maine” sign has been at the Portland International Jetport for two years, Mills noted. She said the additional signs on highways “will reach quite a few more people.”