Smoking Bans

While smokers face a higher risk of developing lung cancer, nonsmokers are at risk as well, especially if exposed to secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke claims the lives of nearly 50,000 nonsmoking adults each year, most notably from lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Due to the severe health consequences related to secondhand smoke, smoking bans are important. According to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, 28 states – as well as Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands – are “smoke-free states,” meaning they do not allow smoking in bars, restaurants, and non-hospitality workplaces. Texas does not currently have a statewide smoking ban, but many cities throughout the state have smoking bans in place.

Statistics

• An estimated 7,300 people in the U.S. will die from lung cancer caused by exposure to secondhand smoke each year.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer by 20-30%.
• In Texas, 44.6% of municipalities are covered by a smoke-free ordinance that covers municipal and private non-hospitality worksites, restaurants, and/or bars.
• There are currently 106 Texas cities with a “comprehensive” smoking ban, meaning that the city is entirely smoke-free in non-hospitality workplaces, restaurants, and bars.

States and Territories with Comprehensive Smoking Bans

*Smokefree Law has certain exemptions for marijuana smoking in 100% Smokefree Restaurants
**Smokefree Law has certain exemptions for marijuana smoking in 100% Smokefree Restaurants and Bars

Comprehensive Smoking Bans in Texas