The new rules
• The "reasonable distance" between a smoker and a restaurant door or window is 20 feet. The state Department of Health Service has said 20 feet is the generally accepted distance to prevent tobacco smoke from getting indoors.
• The smoke-free zone doesn't apply to patio doors, but owners still are responsible for making sure smoke doesn't get inside. The zone does apply to employee entrances, which must be smoke-free.
• The same rules that veterans centers and fraternal clubs must follow for liquor laws will apply to smoking. When a club is open only to members and their invited guests, smoking is allowed. But for public events, such as bingo night or a fish fry, smoking is prohibited.
Business checklist
• Remove ashtrays.
People are also reading…
• Post "no smoking" signs with required information and of the appropriate size (order required no-smoking signs for free at www.smokefreearizona.org).
• Educate employees on new law.
• Prohibit smoking in nonsmoking areas.
• Protect enclosed areas from smoke entering from the outside, including from outdoor smoking patios, if applicable.
• Protect all entrances and entryways from smoke.
• Keep Smoke-Free Arizona Program information on hand.
Did you know ...
• Smoking in restaurants in Tucson has been banned since 1999. There was an exception for restaurants with separate smoking areas.
• Pima County adopted a similar ban in 2001.
• Neither ordinance prohibited smoking in bars — unless a bar received most of its revenue from food sales.
Source: Arizona Department of Health Services
Smoking IS NOT allowed in:
• Offices and other work areas.
• Employee lounges.
• Restrooms and waiting rooms.
• Common areas of apartments, condominiums and hotels.
• Health care and educational facilities.
• Bars and restaurants.
• Entertainment venues and sports facilities.
• Retail stores and banks.
• Airports and other public transportation facilities.
• Laundromats.
• Clubs and other private facilities during public events.
Smoking IS allowed in:
• Designated hotel guest rooms.
• Retail tobacco stores.
• Outdoor patios.
• Properties on tribal reservations, including casinos.
• Veterans and fraternal clubs.
• As part of religious ceremonies or film or theater productions.
Reporting and penalties
• To report a violation of the smoking law, call 1-877-4AZNOSMOKE (1-877-429-6676).
• Complaints will be investigated by county health departments. If a violation is found, the business owner will receive a warning letter.
• Subsequent violations might be punishable by up to $500 for each violation. Each day a violation occurs constitutes a separate violation.
• If a judge finds the violations are willful or evidence of a pattern of noncompliance, a fine up to $5,000 per violation may be imposed.
For more information:
Online: www.smokefreearizona.org
Phone: 1-877-AZSTOPS (1-877-297-8677)