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 Alaska (AK), the state has implemented a comprehensive smoke-free law that prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places, including workplaces, bars, and restaurants, with the law being cited as AS 18.35.300 - AS 18.35.399. This law, known as the Alaska Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law, went into effect on October 1, 2018, and aims to protect the public from secondhand smoke exposure. There are very few exceptions to this rule, such as private residences unless used as a daycare, private clubs when not open to the public, and certain areas of international airports designated for smoking. Local governments in Alaska also have the authority to enact their own smoking ordinances that can be more restrictive than state law. Violations of the smoke-free law can result in fines for individuals and businesses. For example, individuals who smoke in prohibited areas may be fined $50 per violation, while businesses that fail to enforce the law may face fines starting at $200 for the first violation and increasing with subsequent violations.