Many states have passed statewide bans on smoking in enclosed public places, including restaurants and bars. Other states have enacted statewide smoking bans that include exceptions for certain businesses and workplaces—such as cigar bars, tobacco shops, and private clubs.

Some cities and towns have enacted ordinances (laws) that restrict smoking in restaurants and bars—and some cities and towns extend public smoking bans outdoors to sidewalks, apartment complexes, and other public spaces where nonsmokers may congregate, for example.

Violations of these smoking bans may be prosecuted as misdemeanor criminal offenses and include hundreds of dollars of potential fines.

In Ohio, the Smoke Free Workplace Act, which took effect in 2006, prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places and places of employment, including restaurants and bars. This statewide ban also extends to public transportation and school facilities. However, there are exceptions for certain establishments such as tobacco shops, private clubs, and family-owned and operated businesses that do not employ individuals who are not family members. Local municipalities in Ohio have the authority to enact ordinances that can further restrict smoking in public areas, and some have done so, extending bans to outdoor areas like sidewalks and parks. Violations of the smoking ban in Ohio can result in fines for both businesses and individuals. For businesses, fines can escalate with repeated violations, while individuals may face fines typically around $100 for a violation.