Howard County is a SMOKE FREE Community

Howard County is proud to become part of a growing global community dedicated to protecting the public’s health through laws that minimize the potential for exposure to second hand smoke.

Effective June 1, 2007, all indoor public places and workplaces were required to go smoke-free. This law will protect both workers and the public from secondhand smoke -- a known cause of heart disease and cancer.

The law protects you from second-hand smoke exposure at both indoor and outdoor public gathering places including workplaces, concerts, sporting events & and entertainment related gatherings such as firework displays and festivals.

Individuals who violate this law by smoking in a public place are subject to a Class B civil citation with a fine of at least $100 for each infraction. Owners and managers of establishments that allow smoking in violation of the law are subject to a Class C civil citation with a fine of at least $250.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...

WHERE IS SMOKING PROHIBITED?

All indoor public places and workplaces will be smoke-free effective June 1, 2007.

You cannot smoke in public transit vehicles.

You cannot smoke in an outdoor seating or viewing area used by the public to observe or participate in athletic events, concerts, fireworks, etc.

You cannot smoke in a shared government vehicle or in any government vehicle when occupied by more than one person.

You cannot smoke within 15 feet of any public entrance or exit to any enclosed public places or place of employment where smoking is prohibited. (NOTE: the prohibition does not apply in the Historic District of Ellicott City due to the close proximity of buildings to Main Street)

WHERE MAY I SMOKE?

Smoking is permitted in outdoor seating areas of restaurants and bars so long as they are not enclosed or partially enclosed.

Smoking is permitted in a retail tobacco store if the smoke from the store does not infiltrate an area where smoking is prohibited.

Smoking is permitted in a sleeping room of a hotel and motel, as long as that hotel or motel maintains at least 75% of all its sleeping rooms as smoke-free.

Until February 1, 2008, smoking is permitted in a private club or lodge owned and operated by a membership association licensed under Article 2B of the State Code if:

(a) the association's duties are performed by its members including but not limited to, food preparation and security.

(b)the members do not receive compensation for the performance of the association's duties.

Until February 1, 2008, smoking is permitted as an integral part of a theatrical performance held in a facility primarily used for theatrical performances.

HOW DO I REPORT A VIOLATION?

If you are in a public place and observe someone violating this law, notify the appropriate management authority. They are then responsible for taking action to stop the violation. If such authority is unavailable or if you merely wish to report your observance of on-going violations at a particular location call the Howard County Health Department at 410-313-6263 or CLICK HERE to report a violation on-line.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN EMPLOYER AND/OR MANAGER OF A PUBLIC PLACE?

Compliance is easy for both employers and managers of public places.

Remove all ashtrays and other smoking paraphernalia from places where smoking is prohibited.

Post a sign at each entrance used by the public that shall state "Smoking or Carrying Lighted Tobacco Products Prohibited by Law. Violators are Subject to a Penalty not to Exceed $250.00"; and display the international "No Smoking" symbol. The signs should be conspicuously displayed and have letters of not less than 1 inch in height.

Inform patrons and employees of the law and its requirements should they be smoking in a prohibited place.

For restaurant/bar managers, refuse to serve or seat any person who smokes where smoking is prohibited.

For restaurant/bar managers, ask the person to leave the establishment if the person continues to smoke after an initial warning.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THE LAW?

Individuals who violate this law by smoking in a public place are subject to a Class C civil citation with a fine of at least $100 for each infraction. Owners and managers of establishments that allow smoking in violation of the law are subject to a Class B civil citation with a fine of at least $250.

HOW CAN I GET A COPY OF THE LAW?

Click here for a PDF version of the law.

WE KNOW CHANGE IS DIFFICULT

...but we are hoping that if you choose to smoke you will respect both the letter and the spirit of this law and refrain from smoking in all places and situations where others are gathered for a public purpose.

We understand it may not be easy for you to adjust to this new law but we are asking that you do your best to comply and limit your smoking to private homes and vehicles. If this is not possible and you find it necessary to smoke, please do so in an isolated area, removed from the general public, where the smoke will not infiltrate the breathing space of others.

If you are a smoker who would like to find a way to quit, please call the Howard County Health Department for information...410-313-6265 or click here for information on Smoking Cessation Classes