smoking

10 States With No Statewide Smoking Ban

Most are in the South.

News

Published November 22, 2013

10 States With No Statewide Smoking Ban

Most are in the South.

News

Published November 22, 2013

1. Smoking Bans

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Only ten states have no general statewide smoking bans on non-government-owned establishments.

2. Alaska

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All bars and restaurants must have designated smoking and nonsmoking areas. Nine localities have banned smoking in bars and restaurants.

3. Kentucky

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In 2011 and 2012, bills to enact a statewide smoking ban in all enclosed workplaces failed before the Kentucky General Assembly. 25 localities have issued smoking bans in bars and restaurants.

4. Mississippi

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In 2011 and 2012, three separate bills seeking to enact a type of statewide smoking ban all failed before the Mississippi Legislature. 57 localities have banned smoking in bars and restaurants.

5. Missouri

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Smoking is banned in all indoor buildings except for in designated smoking areas, which can comprise no more than 30% of the place's enclosed area. Warning signs must always be posted. 21 localities have banned smoking in bars and restaurants outright.

6. Oklahoma

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Smoking is prohibited in any indoor workplaces unless a suitable ventilation system is installed. Bars are exempt from this law, and localities are not allowed to regulate smoking.

7. South Carolina

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47 localities have banned smoking in all bars and restaurants, however state law does not allow localities to issue a fine greater than $25.

8. Texas

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Smoking is prohibited in public schools, elevators, theaters, libraries, museums, hospitals, buses, airplanes, and trains. 41 localities have banned smoking in bars and restaurants.

9. West Virginia

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Smoking is banned in certain public spaces, but no West Virginia law requires visual designation between smoking and nonsmoking areas. 25 localities have banned smoking in bars and restaurants.

10. Wyoming

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Wyoming state law only prohibits smoking where there is a risk of explosion. Only 5 localities have banned smoking in bars and restaurants.

11. Alabama

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Almost all indoor areas may only allow smoking in designated smoking areas, with few exceptions. 31 localities have banned smoking in all bars and restaurants.