Smoke-Free Arizona Act

To obtain a copy of the Smoke-Free Arizona Act click here.

Final Exempt Rules - Smoke-Free Arizona

The Smoke-Free Arizona exempt rules went in to effect on May 1, 2007. You may access the most current information on the Smoke-Free Arizona rulemaking process by visiting the Office of Administrative Rules website. For more information, visit http://www.azdhs.gov/diro/admin_rules/smoke_free.htm

The 20 Foot Rule

A proprietor should not permit smoking within 20 feet of the establishment’s entrances, open windows, or ventilation systems, as defined in the rules by R9-2-102. The purpose of the 20 foot rule is to prevent smoke from entering into areas where smoking is prohibited.

Substantive Policy Statement #SP-087-PHS-EDC: Bars and Restaurants are not Retail Tobacco Stores. The purpose of this substantive policy statement is to notify the public of the Arizona Department of Health Services’ interpretation of the term “retail store” used in A.R.S. § 36-601.01(9), the Department’s interpretation of the term “retail tobacco store” defined in A.R.S. § 36-601.01(10), and the Department’s determination that a “bar” or a “restaurant” as listed in A.R.S. § 36-601.01(9) cannot be either a “retail store” or a “retail tobacco store” under the Smoke-Free Arizona Act. Similarly, an establishment that uses the “retail tobacco store” exception of the Act to permit indoor smoking cannot also be a “bar” or a “restaurant” under the Act.

What About Local Ordinances?

Local units of government may enact ordinances that are more restrictive than the Smoke-Free Arizona Act. Local ordinances, if more stringent, remain in effect after the implementation of the Smoke-Free Arizona Act.