The biggest change to Washington’s smoking laws in 20 years – forcing bars, restaurants, bowling alleys and nontribal casinos to be smoke-free – takes effect today.

Voters easily approved the new law, Initiative 901, in November’s general election. State health officials call it one of the most comprehensive smoking bans in the nation.

In Snohomish County, businesses affected by the law are required to post signs reminding customers that smoking is not allowed. Not only must smokers go outside, they cannot be within 25 feet of doors, windows or ventilation systems.

The White Elephant Bar &Grill in north Everett has allowed smoking for the past half century. It also was the informal headquarters in Snohomish County for those opposed to tougher smoking laws.

It has found a way to accommodate smokers.

John Troia, who owns the tavern with his wife, Donna Kerns, is opening a “tiki lounge” for smokers behind their bar at noon today.

The 28-foot by 8-foot enclosed space is decorated in a tropical theme, with rugs and wicker chairs. A plastic palm tree is decorated with miniature white lights. It has a wood stove to keep customers cozy and a flat screen TV.

Affected businesses throughout the county are considering whether to build shelters or other facilities for smokers, said Pam Wessel-Estes, program manager for the Snohomish Health District’s tobacco prevention program.

Since that can be expensive “and some degree of trouble,” some businesses are considering making their entire properties smoke-free, she said.

“I think most people understand that second-hand smoke is truly dangerous to health,” Wessel-Estes said

Owners of the Final Table Casino in south Everett spent $5,000 for an air ventilation system even though they knew voters would be asked to approve a smoking ban just before the casino opened.

“It was a gamble putting it in,” controller Alicia Adamson said. “We didn’t want to open and have it be smoky in here and lose business as a result.”

About 19 percent of Snohomish County adults smoke. A state hot line, 877-270-STOP, will provide help for those who want to quit.

State and local public health officials say their emphasis will be on helping businesses implement the law by providing signs and window stickers with the smoke-free message.

The state Health Department will be running radio ads to remind the public about the law, spokesman Tim Church said.

Smokers can be fined up to $100 for violating the law, and businesses can be fined $100 a day if they don’t comply. The law allows people walking on sidewalks to smoke.

“We’re just trying to reassure people that we’re not going to be out there … trying to make sure everybody’s in compliance,” Wessel-Estes said. “We’ll only respond to complaints.”

Other changes are taking place as a result of the new law.

State ferry system workers will have cards to hand out to people if they try to smoke in formerly designated on-board smoking areas. U.S. Coast Guard rules ban passengers from smoking on the car deck, ferry spokeswoman Susan Harris-Huether said. The agency still doesn’t know whether smoking will be banned in ferry holding lines.

Sporty’s Beef and Brew, an Everett sports bar, planned to have a smoking area behind its restaurant, but discovered it couldn’t. Smoking is banned from restaurant patios and decks.

Stevens Hospital in Edmonds will move smokers from a second-floor porch to a designated tent near the hospital’s admitting area and is considering making its campus smoke-free, spokeswoman Beth Engel said.

Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.