It’s official May 1: bars, restaurants and most businesses in Arizona will be required to be smoke free.

But how far will smoking be allowed near the entrances of buildings? What about smoking on patios?

The Arizona Department of Health Services is seeking public input on those questions and others as the agency undertakes the proposed rule making process to implement the Smoke-free Arizona Act (Proposition 201), passed by voters in November.

The Department is proposing a “15 foot rule” prohibiting smoking within 15 feet from main entryways of businesses. Colorado has adopted a 15 foot rule, while other states are even more stringent – Hawaii, 20 feet, and Washington State, 25 feet.

Members of the public are invited to provide written input to the Department through 5 p.m. March 8, or attend one of three public hearings:

Phoenix: March 6, 10 a.m. State Health Laboratory Conference Room, 250 N. 17th Ave.

Tucson: March 7, 11 a.m.  Pima County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, Pima County Administration Building, 130 W. Congress St.

Flagstaff: March 8, 1 p.m. Coconino County Board of Supervisors First Floor Meeting Room, Coconino County Administration Building, 219 E. Cherry Ave.

For more information, go to: www.smokefreearizona.org.