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Smoke-Free Laws

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U.S. State and Local Issues: Smoke-Free Laws

Protecting Our Right to Breathe Clean Air The scientific evidence is clear: Secondhand smoke causes serious diseases and premature death among nonsmokers. That's why a growing number of states, cities and countries are enacting laws that require all workplaces and public places to be… Read More

Fact Sheets

Health Harms of Secondhand Smoke

Smoke-Free Laws Do Not Harm Business at Restaurants and Bars

Smoke-Free Laws Work

Only Comprehensive Smoke-Free Laws are Effective

Voters Across the Country Express Strong Support for Smoke-Free Laws

Smokefree States and Cities in the United States

What Is In Secondhand Smoke?

Secondhand Smoke, Kids and Cars

Smoke-Free Laws Encourage Smokers to Quit and Discourage Youth from Starting

Harm to Kids from Secondhand Smoke

Electronic Cigarettes Should be Included in Smoke-free Laws

Press Releases

New Study Finds Smoking Rate Twice as High for Adults in Federally Assisted Housing, Highlighting Importance of Smoke-Free Public Housing Rule (Mar. 02, 2017)

New Orleans Celebrates Successful Year of Smoke-Free Air (Apr. 22, 2016)

HUD Rule to Make Public Housing Smoke-Free Will Protect Vulnerable Children and Families (Nov. 30, 2016)

Voters Across America Rebuff Big Tobacco, Approve Ballot Measures To Reduce Smoking, Save Lives (Nov. 09, 2006)

New Harvard Study: Healthier to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Smoke-Free Irish Pub (Mar. 16, 2006)

DC City Council Should Pass Comprehensive Smoke-Free Workplace Law (Jun. 15, 2005)

New Data from Florida and Montgomery County, MD, Add to Evidence that Smoke-Free Laws Do Not Hurt Business (Jun. 28, 2004)

CDC Study of El Paso’s Smoke-Free Law Adds to Evidence that Smoke-Free Does Not Hurt Business (Feb. 27, 2004)

Study Indicates New York City Smoke-Free Law Has Not Harmed Economy (Jul. 25, 2003)

CDC Report: Smoke-Free Laws Protect Nearly 60 Percent of U.S. Population; Every State and Community Should Be Smoke-Free (Jun. 23, 2016)

Landmark for Global Health: With Addition of Paraguay, All of South America Is Now Protected by Comprehensive Smoke-Free Laws (Jan. 12, 2021)

CDC Report: States Need to Regain Momentum on Tobacco Taxes, Smoke-Free Laws (Jun. 16, 2016)

In Historic Step, California Assembly Votes to Raise Tobacco Age to 21, Approves Other Tobacco Control Measures (Mar. 03, 2016)

Voters Make North Dakota Smoke-Free (Nov. 07, 2012)

Leading Medical and Health Groups Urge HUD to Quickly Finalize Rule Making Public Housing Smoke-free (Jan. 19, 2016)

HUD Proposal to Make Public Housing Smoke-Free Will Protect the Health of Children and Families (Nov. 12, 2015)

MGM Grand Should Immediately Rescind Fee to Guarantee Non-Smoking Room (Feb. 16, 2011)

After Six Months, 78 Percent of New Orleans Voters Approve of Smoke-Free Law (Oct. 22, 2015)

As New Orleans Marks 100 Days of Being Smoke-Free, Study Finds Air Pollution Levels Have Dropped 96 Percent in Bars and Casino (Aug. 05, 2015)

Beijing Will Implement Historic Smoke-Free Law on Monday, Setting Example for all of China (May. 29, 2015)

New York City Council Extends Important Health Protections By Requiring Smoke-Free Parks, Beaches (Feb. 03, 2011)

New Orleans Smoke-Free Law Takes Effect Today, Protecting Everyone’s Right to Breathe Clean Air (Apr. 22, 2015)

Tobacco-Free Kids Salutes Dollar Thrifty for New Smoke-Free Rental Cars Policy (Jan. 11, 2011)

As U.S. Celebrates 25 Years of Smoke-Free Airlines, It’s Time to Make All Workplaces and Public Places Smoke-Free (Feb. 23, 2015)

New CDC Report Shows Big Drop in Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Americans, But 58 Million Still Exposed – Every State and Community Should be Smoke-Free (Feb. 03, 2015)

New Orleans City Council Delivers Historic Victory for Smoke-Free Air (Jan. 22, 2015)

MPAAT Decision Affirms Importance of Clean Indoor Air Policies and Keeping Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Independent of Politics (Jun. 27, 2002)

Reynolds’ “No-Smoking” Policy Fails to Protect Its Workers; Company Should Stop Fighting Real Smoke-Free Laws Across America (Oct. 23, 2014)

Statement of Tobacco-Free Kids Regarding Smoke-Free Environment And No Tobacco For Kids Acts (Jun. 03, 1997)

Chicago’s City Council Vote to Include E-Cigarettes in Clean Indoor Air Law Preserves Public’s Right to Breathe Clean Air (Jan. 15, 2014)

New York City Council’s Vote to Include E-Cigarettes in Smoke-Free Law Preserves Public’s Right to Breathe Clean Air (Dec. 19, 2013)

New York City Bill to Include E-Cigarettes in Clean Indoor Air Law Will Help Protect Everyone’s Right to Breathe Clean Air (Nov. 27, 2013)

Hawai`i County Council Increases Age of Sale for Tobacco Products to 21 – Bold Step Will Reduce Smoking and Save Lives (Nov. 20, 2013)

Florida Sets Example for the Nation in Cutting High School Smoking to Under 9 Percent (Sep. 06, 2013)

New Study Confirms Smoke-Free Laws Do Not Hurt Business – It’s Time for Every State to Go Smoke-Free (Aug. 01, 2013)

New York City Celebrates 10 Years of Smoke-Free Air (Mar. 27, 2013)

Mayor Bloomberg Proposes Strong New Measures to Win the Fight Against Tobacco (Mar. 18, 2013)

New England Journal of Medicine Studies Find Huge Health Benefits to Quitting Smoking (Jan. 23, 2013)

New Study Confirms States Can Reduce Youth Smoking with Well-Funded Prevention Programs, Higher Tobacco Taxes and Strong Smoke-Free Laws (Jan. 17, 2013)

Health Groups Launch Ad Campaign Calling for Smoke-Free Kentucky (Jan. 09, 2013)

New Survey Shows U.S. Youth Smoking Rates Fell to Record Lows in 2012 (Dec. 19, 2012)

CDC Study: Smoke-Free Laws Spreading Fast in Largest U.S. Cities, But Many Still Unprotected from Secondhand Smoke (Nov. 15, 2012)

New York City Legislation Would Require Disclosure of Residences' Smoking Policies, Allowing Renters and Buyers to Make Informed Decisions (Apr. 18, 2012)

Indianapolis Council Again Delivers Victory for Smoke-Free Air – Mayor Ballard Should Sign Into Law (Apr. 17, 2012)

Two-Thirds of Mississippi Voters Support Law Making All Workplaces Smoke-Free (Feb. 15, 2012)

Mayor Ballard Denies Indianapolis Residents and Workers Smoke-Free Air (Feb. 09, 2012)

Indianapolis Council Delivers Victory for Smoke-Free Air – Mayor Ballard Should Sign Into Law (Jan. 31, 2012)

70 Percent of Indiana Voters Support Law Making Workplaces, Restaurants and Bars Smoke-Free (Jan. 24, 2012)

CDC Report Shows Smoking Declines Have Cut Lung Cancer, But Many States Lag and Must Do More (Sep. 15, 2011)

CDC Reports Adult Smoking Rates Is Declining Slowly – Elected Leaders Must Act to Accelerate Progress and Save More Lives (Sep. 06, 2011)

New CDC Study Shows Smoke-Free Laws Spreading Across U.S. And Should Spur Remaining States to Take Action (Apr. 21, 2011)

Voters Approve Smoke-Free Ballot Measures in South Dakota, Three Other States (Nov. 04, 2010)

San Antonio City Council Delivers Victory for Smoke-Free Air; Texas Legislature Should Follow and Pass Strong Statewide Law (Aug. 20, 2010)

Navy Acts to Protect Sailors’ Health by Banning Smoking on Submarines, Providing Cessation Assistance (Apr. 09, 2010)

Approval of Kansas Smoke-Free Legislation Is Historic Win for Health (Feb. 25, 2010)

North Carolina Goes Smoke-Free on Jan. 2 in Historic Step for Health (Dec. 31, 2009)

Approval of Michigan Smoke-Free Legislation Is Historic Win for Health (Dec. 11, 2009)

Institute of Medicine Report Concludes Smoke-Free Laws Prevent Heart Attacks; It's Time to Make All Workplaces and Public Places Smoke-Free (Oct. 15, 2009)

Approval of Wisconsin Smoke-Free Legislation Is Historic Win for Health (May. 15, 2009)

North Carolina Legislature Takes Historic Stand for Smoke-Free Air (May. 14, 2009)

South Dakota's New Smoke-Free Law Is Historic Win for Health (Mar. 19, 2009)

Public Health Groups' Statement on Passage of Virginia Smoke-Free Legislation (Feb. 19, 2009)

Virginia Smoke-Free Compromise Goes from Bad to Worse And Should be Rejected By Senate and Gov. Kaine (Feb. 10, 2009)

Virginia Leaders Should Reject Flawed Smoke-Free Legislation That Fails to Protect Everyone's Right to Breathe Clean Air (Feb. 09, 2009)

Texas Public Health Groups Launch Ad Campaign About Need for Comprehensive, Statewide Smoke-Free Law (Jan. 26, 2009)

Study: Sustained Decrease in Heart Attack Hospitalizations After Implementation of Smoke-free Law (Dec. 31, 2008)

Dallas City Council Delivers Victory for Smoke-Free Air; Texas Legislature Should Follow Lead and Pass Strong Statewide Law (Dec. 10, 2008)

Colombia Takes Action to Save Lives by Implementing Sweeping Smoke-Free Decree (Dec. 05, 2008)

Colombia Takes Action to Save Lives by Implementing Sweeping Smoke-Free Decree (Dec. 05, 2008)

New CDC Study Shows Smoke-Free Laws Spreading Across U.S. And Should Spur Remaining States to Take Action (May. 23, 2008)

Pennsylvania Conference Committee Should Approve Smoke-Free Bill That Covers All Workplaces and Protects All Workers (May. 10, 2008)

Iowa & Kansas City, Missouri, Deliver Big Wins for Smoke-Free Air (Apr. 10, 2008)

Mexico City’s New Smoke-Free Law Sets Example for Latin America and World (Feb. 27, 2008)

Mexico City’s New Smoke-Free Law Sets Example for Latin America and World (Feb. 26, 2008)

Approval of Nebraska Smoke-Free Legislation Is Historic Win for Health (Feb. 23, 2008)

South Carolina Lawmakers Should Reject Proposal To Take Away Public’s Right to Breathe Smoke-Free Air (Jan. 15, 2008)

New Laws in Turkey, France and Germany Show Smoke-Free Movement Is Spreading Globally (Jan. 04, 2008)

New Laws in Turkey, France and Germany Show Smoke-Free Movement Is Spreading Globally (Jan. 04, 2008)

New Poll Finds Nearly Seven in 10 New Jersey Voters Support Smoke-Free Casinos (Oct. 31, 2007)

Health and Business Groups Launch Ad Campaign About Need for Comprehensive Smoke-Free Law in Pennsylvania (Sep. 11, 2007)

Nations Take Strong Action Against Secondhand Smoke, Cigarette Smuggling -- Actions Will Improve Health, Save Lives Around the World (Jul. 06, 2007)

New Study Finds Non-Smoking Workers Absorb Potent Carcinogen When Exposed to Secondhand Smoke, Shows Need for Comprehensive Smoke-Free Laws (Jun. 28, 2007)

Conference on Tobacco Control Treaty Urged to Adopt 100% Smoke-Free Policies As Global Health Standard (Jun. 27, 2007)

New Hampshire’s Smoke-Free Law is Historic Step for Health (Jun. 19, 2007)

Oregon's New Smoke-Free Law Is A Historic Step for Health (Jun. 18, 2007)

Minnesota’s New Smoke-Free Law is a Historic Step for Health (May. 14, 2007)

78 Percent of Philadelphians Favor New Smoke-Free Workplace Law (May. 02, 2007)

Nation's Capital Takes Historic Step for Health By Going Smoke-Free (May. 01, 2007)

Illinois’ New Smoke-Free Law is a Historic Step for Health (May. 01, 2007)

Maryland's New Smoke-Free Law is a Historic Step for Health (Apr. 09, 2007)

Virginia House Misses Historic Opportunity to Protect Health By Voting Against Smoke-Free Bill (Apr. 04, 2007)

New Mexico’s New Smoke-Free Law Is a Historic Step for Health (Mar. 13, 2007)

Governor Bredesen’s Historic Proposal Will Reduce Smoking and Save Lives in Tennessee (Mar. 05, 2007)

Philip Morris Breaks Promise Not to Fight Smoke-Free Laws Even as Evidence Grows of Health Risks from Secondhand Smoke (Feb. 01, 2007)

Speaker Pelosi Delivers Victory for the Right to Breathe Clean, Smoke-Free Air (Jan. 10, 2007)

Tobacco Companies Spending $84 Million to Mislead Voters and Oppose Ballot Initiatives to Reduce Smoking, Save Lives (Nov. 02, 2006)

Houston, Texas, Takes Historic Stand for Right to Breathe Smoke-Free Air (Oct. 19, 2006)

Louisville, Kentucky, Takes Historic Stand for Right to Breathe Smoke-Free Air (Oct. 14, 2006)

New Study Adds to Evidence Smoke-Free Laws Reduce Heart Attacks, Shows Need to Make All Workplaces Smoke-Free (Sep. 26, 2006)

Philadelphia Mayor Street Delivers Historic Win for Right to Breathe Clean Air (Sep. 15, 2006)

R.J. Reynolds’ Plan to Spend $40 Million Against Anti-Tobacco Ballot Initiatives Puts Profits Before Life and Health (Jul. 27, 2006)

Frankfort, Kentucky, City Commission Protects Right to Breathe Smoke-Free Air (Jul. 26, 2006)

Marriott Sets Example By Making Its Hotels Smoke-Free (Jul. 20, 2006)

New Surgeon General's Report Provides Powerful Boost for Smoke-Free Workplace Laws (Jun. 27, 2006)

Philadelphia City Council Stands up for Right to Breathe Clean Air; Mayor Street Should Sign Legislation (Jun. 15, 2006)

Big Tobacco's Political Dirty Tricks Hit New Low in California, Arizona, Ohio (Jun. 02, 2006)

Hawaii Becomes Latest Smoke-Free State (May. 03, 2006)

Colorado Becomes Latest Smoke-Free State (Mar. 17, 2006)

Puerto Rico, Utah, Uruguay Join Growing Movement for Smoke-Free Air (Mar. 02, 2006)

D.C. Smoke-Free Workplace Law Is Victory for Right to Breathe Clean Air (Jan. 30, 2006)

California’s Classification of Secondhand Smoke as Toxic Air Contaminant Underscores Need to Make All Workplaces Smoke-Free (Jan. 26, 2006)

New Jersey Becomes Latest Smoke-Free State (Jan. 09, 2006)

D.C. Council Takes Important Step Toward Making Nation’s Capital Smoke-Free, But Undermines Efforts With Potential Loophole (Jan. 04, 2006)

Chicago Ordinance Fails to Adequately Protect Public’s Right to Breathe Clean Air (Dec. 07, 2005)

D.C. Council Takes Important Step Toward Making Nation’s Capital Smoke-free (Dec. 06, 2005)

New Study Confirms Smoke-Free Laws Reduce Heart Attacks, Shows Need to Make All Workplaces Smoke-Free (Nov. 14, 2005)

New Report by California EPA Underscores Dangers of Secondhand Smoke and Need to Make All Workplaces Smoke-Free (Oct. 03, 2005)

Pending North Carolina Smoke-free Legislation Would be a Step Backwards for the Health of North Carolina Citizens (Aug. 04, 2005)

New CDC Study Underscores Momentum to Pass Smoke-Free Workplace Laws But Many States and Localities Still Need to Act (Jul. 07, 2005)

Dramatic Smoking Declines in New York State Show Tobacco Control Policies Work (Jun. 02, 2005)

Vermont Becomes Eighth State to Pass Comprehensive Smoke-Free Workplace Law (May. 26, 2005)

Voters in Columbus, Austin Stand Up For Right to Breathe Smoke-Free Air (May. 10, 2005)

New Massachusetts Study Adds to Evidence That Smoke-Free Laws Do Not Harm Business (Apr. 05, 2005)

Study Indicates Secondhand Smoke Exposure Harms Children's Intellectual Development (Jan. 04, 2005)

Voters Increase Tobacco Taxes in Three States, Back Smoke-Free Air Measures Across the Nation (Nov. 03, 2004)

Study Proves Smoke-Free Workplace Laws Protect Health (Sep. 06, 2004)

Landmark Study Shows Secondhand Smoke Significantly Increases Risk of Heart Disease (Jun. 30, 2004)

Rhode Island Becomes Seventh State To Pass Comprehensive Smoke-Free Workplace Law (Jun. 25, 2004)

Massachusetts Becomes Sixth State To Pass Comprehensive Smoke-Free Workplace Law (Jun. 10, 2004)

Bars and Restaurants in Smoke-Free Cities Have 82% Less Air Pollution Than Cities That Allow Smoking, Seven-City Study Finds (May. 21, 2004)

Dramatic Decline in New York City Smoking Rate Shows Tobacco Control Policies Work (May. 13, 2004)

Kentucky Supreme Court Upholds Lexington’s Smoke-Free Law And Delivers Historic Victory for Public Health (Apr. 23, 2004)

Disparity In Protecting Food Service Employees From Secondhand Smoke Underscores Need for Comprehensive Smoke-Free Policies (Apr. 13, 2004)

New York City Report Finds Restaurant and Bar Business Is Thriving On First Anniversary of Smoke-Free Law (Mar. 30, 2004)

75 Percent of New Yorkers Favor City Smoke-Free Workplace Law on Eve of One-Year Anniversary (Mar. 29, 2004)

Idaho Sets Example for the Nation by Passing Statewide Smoke-Free Workplace Bill (Mar. 19, 2004)

Massachusetts on the Verge of Becoming Sixth Smoke-Free State (Nov. 22, 2003)

Zagat Restaurant Survey Provides More Evidence that New York City’s Smoke-Free Law Is Not Hurting Business (Oct. 22, 2003)

New Poll Shows 70% of New Yorkers Favor City Smoke-Free Workplace Law (Sep. 22, 2003)

DC Leaders Should Pass Smoke-Free Law and Protect Public’s Right to Breathe Clean Air (Sep. 17, 2003)

Lexington, KY, and Montgomery County, MD, Pass Comprehensive Smoke-Free Workplace Laws (Jul. 02, 2003)

Maine Becomes Fifth State to Pass Comprehensive Smoke-Free Workplace Law (Jun. 17, 2003)

Pueblo Voters Set Example For Colorado By Approving Ordinance Protecting Public's Right to Breathe Smoke-Free Air (May. 22, 2003)

New Study on Secondhand Smoke is Based on Flawed Science and Funded by the Tobacco Industry (May. 16, 2003)

Connecticut Sets Example For the Nation By Passing Statewide Bill Protecting Public’s Right to Breathe Smoke-Free Air (May. 08, 2003)

Study Shows Smoke-Free Law Cuts Heart Attack Rate (Apr. 02, 2003)

New York Legislature Sets Example For the Nation By Passing Statewide Bill Protecting Public’s Right to Breathe Smoke-Free Air (Mar. 27, 2003)

Delaware House Bill to Weaken Smoke-Free Law Would Harm Public Health (Mar. 20, 2003)

Maryland Legislature Can Set Example for the Nation by Protecting the Public’s Right to Breathe Smoke-Free Air (Mar. 13, 2003)

Impressive Washington State Results Show Tobacco Prevention Programs (Mar. 04, 2003)

Study Shows Delaware Smoke-Free Law Dramatically Improves Health (Mar. 04, 2003)

New CDC Study Shows Kids Exposed to Secondhand Tobacco Smoke at Alarming Rates (Jan. 31, 2003)

Dallas Sets Example For the Nation By Protecting The Public’s Right to Breathe Smoke-Free Air (Jan. 22, 2003)

Boston, New York City Set Example For the Nation By Protecting the Public's Right to Breathe Smoke-Free Air (Dec. 11, 2002)

Florida Voters Set Historic Example for the Nation by Standing Up for their Right to Breathe Clean Air (Nov. 06, 2002)

Efforts to Weaken Delaware's Clean Indoor Air Law Ignore Conclusions of Groundbreaking New Study that Secondhand Smoke Causes Lung Cancer (Jun. 24, 2002)

Delaware's Clean Indoor Air Law Will Protect Kids, Save Lives, and Set an Example for the Nation (May. 15, 2002)

Florida Clean Indoor Air Amendment Will Improve Health and Save Lives (Jul. 18, 2001)

Minot, ND Residents Vote for Clean Indoor Air, Joining Growing Number of Communities Across America (Jul. 13, 2001)

New Poll Shows Atlanta Voters Overwhelmingly Support Smoke-free Law (Oct. 18, 2017)

Fort Worth Delivers Tremendous Victory for Smoke-Free Air (Dec. 13, 2017)

Public Housing Goes Smoke-Free, Protecting Vulnerable Children and Families (Jul. 30, 2018)

Atlanta Delivers Huge Victory for Smoke-Free Air (Jul. 02, 2019)