• FAQ's for Businesses
• FAQ's for Veterans Clubs

The main purpose of the Smoke-Free Arizona Act is to protect Arizonans from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke whether they are at work or in public. Below are some questions that can help you understand the requirements of the Law.

1. When did the smoke free provisions take effect?
   The Law became effective on May 1, 2007.
   
   
2. Where can I find a copy of the Law? Where can I find a copy of the rules?
   Click here to view the contents of the Law. Click here to view the contents of the rules.
   
   
3. What does the Smoke-Free Arizona Act require?
   It requires smoking to be prohibited in most enclosed public places and places of employment. However, there are a few exemptions of the Smoke-Free Arizona Act.
   
   
4. What are examples of public places and places of employment affected by the Law?
   The Smoke-Free Arizona Act prohibits smoking in most public places and places of employment including but not limited to: bars, restaurants, workplaces, stadiums, reception areas, theatres, and designated non-smoking hotel rooms.
   
   
5. What are the exemptions of the Law?
   There are specific public places where smoking is allowed, including private residences, retail tobacco stores, veterans and fraternal clubs, and outdoor patios. For a complete list of exemptions of the Law click here.
   
   
6. At what distance from an entrance is outside smoking allowed?
   Smoking is prohibited within 20 feet from all establishment entrances, open windows, or ventilation systems. In addition, tobacco smoke should not infiltrate into non-smoking areas. Click here to view the 20 foot rule.
   
   
7. Is smoking allowed when children or minors are present?
   The Smoke-Free Arizona Act does not specifically address smoking when children are present. Keep in mind that the purpose of the Smoke-Free Arizona Act is to protect all Arizonans from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke in enclosed public places and places of employment.
   
   
8. What are the first steps business owners can do to comply with the Law?
   
   • Remove all indoor ashtrays and smoking receptacles and move all outdoor ashtrays and smoking receptacles at least 20 feet away from entrances
   • Post the required "No Smoking" signs at every entrance into your establishment, available free of charge click here. Business proprietors have the option of ordering signage free of charge OR creating their own "No Smoking" signs. Please keep in mind that all "No Smoking" signs must include the following information and are the appropriate size:
     • International "no smoking" symbol (consisting of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it) or the words "NO SMOKING" ;
     • A citation to A.R.S. § 36-601.01
     • The telephone number for making complaints (1-877-4-AZNOSMOKE, 1-877-429-6676)
     • The website address for making complaints (smokefreearizona.org);
     • No smaller than 4"x6" for signs posted at entrances of enclosed public places and non-vehicle places of employment
     • No smaller than 2"x3" for signs posted in business vehicles
   • Educate all existing and prospective employees about the Act
   • Prohibit anyone including employees, vendors, and customers from smoking inside and within 20 feet of all entrances into your place of business
   • Politely inform violators smoking inside or within 20 feet of an entrance to extinguish it or to go outside and at least 20 feet away from the entrance to smoke
9. Is smoking permitted on outdoor patios?
   Yes, smoking is permitted on outdoor patios so long as tobacco smoke does not enter areas where smoking is prohibited. However, proprietors have the right to designate an outdoor patio as either smoking or non-smoking.
   
   
10. Where can I find more information?
    Please contact the Arizona Department of Health Services by calling toll-free at 1-877-AZSTOPS (1-877-297-8677). For Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses and Veterans Clubs click here.
    
    
11. What assistance is available if I want to quit or for my employees who want to quit?
    Arizona offers some excellent and effective resources free of charge to all Arizonans who want to quit smoking:
    • The Arizona Smokers' Helpline (ASHLine) is a toll free number that provides phone counseling. ASHLine offers professional, on-going support (available in both English and Spanish) to all tobacco users looking for help with quitting. Services include personalized quit plans, medication assistance, quit coaches, interactive Web programs, telephone counseling, and self-help materials. To contact ASHLine, please call 1-800-556-6222.
    • The ASHLine web site, www.ashline.org, provides expert advice on quitting strategies for smokers, advice for non-smokers who are supporting someone trying to quit, and tips for healthcare providers. The web site also provides free fact sheets, and links to local tobacco cessation projects.