Current Status
Many countries have adopted smoking bans. Currently, the United States does not have a national smoking ban. However, many states and localities have enacted bans against smoking in public, while others are proposing such bans. In general, the smoking bans passed by local municipalities are the most restrictive. If a state has adopted a smoking ban, it is still possible for a local government to adopt a more restrictive ban within its boundries.
Restrictive Smoking Bans
One of the most restrictive smoking bans in the United States took effect in Calabasas, California on March 17, 2006. Smoking in public places is banned both indoors and outdoors, even in public parks. In Ontario, Canada, smoking in public is banned indoors, including tobacco shops (effective May 31, 2006). Casinos are required to build outdoor patios to accomodate their smoking customers. These are just a couple examples of smoking bans that may have gone too far.List of Smoking Bans
To see which countries, states, and localities have adopted public smoking bans, select one of the following resources:Background
As a result of the November 1998 Master Tobacco Settlement, state and local governments in the United States cannot make tobacco illegal, despite all of the health risks. However, there are a number of anti smoking organizations that have been lobbying to convince local politicians to restrict the use of tobacco products in public places, both indoors and outdoors. The number of smoking bans is growing, and the bans are becoming more restrictive.
