Vermont's top public health official is hopeful a series of new laws restricting smoking will encourage more people to quit.
Health Commissioner Dr. Harry Chen made the comments Friday when highlighting the new law with provisions that include making Vermont the seventh state to outlaw smoking in cars that are carrying young children.
Starting Tuesday, Vermont will become the sixth state to ban smoking in hotel rooms.
The law will also ban smoking on all state property, on the property of hospitals or secure residential recovery facilities owned or operated by the state.
It also bans tobacco products at schools and child care centers.
Under the law, smoking will be prohibited in cars carrying children younger than 8. Drivers will be subject to fines up to $100.
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