Last modified: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 10:26 AM PST Smoking outdoors in Oregon will have to be done at least 10 feet from any building entrance, window or air-intake vent, starting Jan. 1, when the state’s Smokefree Workplace Law goes into effect. Smoke-free mandate set to begin Jan. 1 By Larry Meyer Argus Observer ONTARIO — Oregon smokers will be compelled to pay careful attention to where they light up starting Jan. 1 when the state’s  new Smokefree Workplace Law goes into effect. The mandate bans smoking in most public places and workplaces with only a few exceptions. “It’s designed to protect employees and patrons from second-hand smoke,” Kelly Jensen, R.N., tobacco prevention and education coordinator, Malheur County Health Department, said. According to information provided by Jensen, public places are defined as any enclosed area and opening to the public, and place of employment means every enclosed area under the control of an employer that may be frequented by employees.   And when smoking outdoors, smokers will need to be at least 10 feet away from all entrances, windows and air-intake vents of public places. Signs stating the new requirement will need to be posted at every entrance. “It’s a new Oregon law, passed during the most recent legislative session.” Jensen said.  Among the places that will be included in the smokefree decree are bars and taverns, including bar areas of restaurants, bowling centers, bingo halls, private and fraternal organizations, employee break rooms, privates offices and commercial office buildings, assisted living facilities, movie theaters and indoor entertainment venues. “It’s an adjustment for the bars and bingo halls,” Jensen said. Hotels and motels are allowed to designate up to 25 percent of their rooms for smoking guests. However, smoking will be prohibited in common areas such as the lobby, Jensen said.  Other exceptions to the law, besides smoking in designated motel and hotel rooms, include smoking in certified smoke or cigar shops and smoking of non-commercial tobacco for American Indian ceremonial purposes. Businesses not in compliance with the new law by Jan. 1 could incur a fine of $500 per day, or a maximum $2,000 fine.