With the Smoke-free Arizona Act taking effect in a week, the Arizona Department of Health Services today opened a call center to help residents and business owners understand the statewide smoke free law.

The free call center at 1-877-AZ STOPS (1-877-297-8677) is staffed by trained, qualified operators from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A recorded information line is available during other times of the day.

A Web site, http://www.smokefreearizona.org, also provides comprehensive information on the Smoke-free Arizona Act and its requirements in English and Spanish.

Arizona’s smoke free law, which goes into effect May 1, will require bars, restaurants and most businesses to be smoke free.

The phone line and web site are designed to help business owners and members of the public understand and prepare to implement the new law.

Callers can ask questions about the law and how it affects them, such as where is smoking allowed, how far away they must from building entrances to smoke, penalties for violating the law, and where to obtain free quitting resources statewide.

Business owners may obtain information on the law’s requirements, exemptions to the law, and how to obtain free signs to post in their businesses or establishments.

The Department also is airing radio spots to educate Arizonans about the new law.