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 Wisconsin, the statewide smoking ban is known as the 'Smoke-Free Air Law,' which took effect on July 5, 2010. This law prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places, including restaurants, taverns, and other indoor workplaces. The ban also extends to certain outdoor areas such as entrances to buildings and outdoor dining areas. There are a few exceptions to the ban, such as private residences, certain rooms in hotels and motels designated as smoking rooms, and state correctional facilities. Additionally, some businesses like tobacco shops and cigar bars may be exempt if they meet specific criteria. Local municipalities in Wisconsin have the authority to enact their own smoking ordinances that can be more restrictive than the state law. Violations of the smoking ban can result in fines for both individuals who smoke in prohibited areas and for business owners who fail to enforce the ban. Fines for individuals start at $100, and businesses can face fines of up to $100 for a first violation and higher for subsequent violations.