We are writing in regard to Michigan’s new smoking ban. As motel owners, how are we supposed to enforce this new law? A restaurant owner or a store owner can do this rather easily, but it is extremely difficult for motel owners to do so. Our rooms have “No Smoking” signs but just this week alone, we have had three instances where smokers have smoked in the rooms anyway. Do we call the police? We’re sure the police or sheriff’s department would not appreciate being called for such a minor infraction.

With that being said, let us state that health-wise, we think this is a good law for everyone, owners and customers, as well. But, what is frustrating is in the past we did have designated rooms for smokers. Now it’s a free-for-all for all rooms to be smoked in. Some of our rooms that have not been smoked in for many years are now being smoked in.

We would appreciate some suggestions from other motel owners as to what can be done to deal with this problem.

Jim and Annette Durm

Sunset Motel

St. Ignace

Editor’s Note: Mackinac County Sheriff Scott Strait reports that police departments are not charged with responding to these complaints. Enforcement of the smoking ban falls to the local health department, and complaints about violations should be directed there.