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 Maryland, smoking is prohibited in nearly all indoor public places, including bars and restaurants, under the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007. This law aims to protect the health of the public by eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke in enclosed areas. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as private clubs and certain tobacco businesses. Local jurisdictions within Maryland may have their own regulations that further restrict smoking in public areas. For instance, some cities and towns may extend smoking bans to outdoor public spaces like sidewalks and parks. Violating Maryland's smoking laws can result in penalties, including fines, and is treated as a misdemeanor offense. The specific amount of the fine and the enforcement procedures can vary depending on the local jurisdiction within the state.