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Georgia Smokefree Air Act
What is the Georgia Smokefree Air Act of 2005?
Effective July 1, 2005, the new law prohibits smoking inside most public areas and outlines specific guidelines for allowing smoking in and around establishments that serve the public. However, the act does allow for more restrictive local laws, rules and regulations that are currently in place or may be passed in the future. Visit http://dhr.georgia.gov/gasmokefreeair for additional information.
How is this law helpful to me?
This law is helpful because it reduces your exposure to secondhand smoke and its associated risks.
Where is smoking NOT allowed?
Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas within places of employment unless authorized in the code section 31-12A-6. Examples include:
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An owner, operator, manager or other person in control of an establishment, facility, or outdoor area may declare an entire area as a non-smoking area.
Where is smoking allowed?
The following are examples of areas that are exempt from the general rule that smoking is prohibited, on the condition that a sign must be posted conspicuously at every entrance indicating that smoking is permitted.
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Outdoor areas of places of employment (including the outdoor facility of a restaurant)
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Bars and restaurants, as follows:
All bars and restaurants that deny access to any person under the age of 18 and that do not employ individuals under the age of 18; -
Private rooms in restaurants and bars if the rooms are enclosed and have an air handling system independent from the main air system that serves all other areas of the building and all air within the private room is exhausted directly to the outside by an exhaust fan of sufficient size.
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Private clubs, military officer clubs and noncommissioned officer clubs.
What are the penalties?
A person smoking in violation of the law will be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not less than $100 and not more than $500.
How to report a problem?
If you need to report a problem related to the Georgia Smokefree Air Act, please call the Local Health Department Environmental Health Office or Northwest Georgia Public Health at 706-295-6651.
How to quit smoking?
The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line is a toll-free hotline available to Georgians over the age of 18 who want to quit tobacco use. Parents and family members are encouraged to call for information on how to help their teenager/family member to quit. Trained counselors are ready to help callers with screening, counseling, referrals and written materials.
GEORGIA TOBACCO Quit Line 1-877-270-STOP
(En Espanol 1-877-266-3863)
