The District of Columbia's Smoke-free Workplaces Law took effect Tuesday, April 4, 2006, which means that smoking will be prohibited in indoor public places such as restaurant dining areas, offices and apartment lobbies. The smoking ban will extend to bar areas of restaurants, taverns, nightclubs and brew pubs on January 1, 2007.

“The public needs to be aware of the April 4 implementation date of this critical new law, so I encourage all city businesses to update their workplace smoking policies to reflect the new law,” said Mayor Anthony A. Williams in a statement from his office, “’No smoking’ signs should be posted at entrances to businesses and in prominent places, and employers should talk with customers and employees about the law and how to comply.”

The District Department of Health will be able inspect all businesses and enclosed public places to that are currently covered by the Smoke-free Workplaces Law. Fines can be levied against establishments in violation of the Smoke-free Workplaces Law. 

After April 4, 2006, the only businesses in the District where smoking will be allowed:

• Cigar Bars
• Hookah Cafes
• Restaurants
• Taverns
• Brew Pubs
• Similar establishments where at least 10% of business is generated by over-the-counter tobacco sales.

The Smoke-free Workplaces law, which is technically an amendment to the Department of Health Functions Clarification Act of 2001, prohibits smoking in indoor public places such as restaurant dining areas, offices and apartment lobbies.  The smoking ban will extend to bar areas of restaurants, taverns, nightclubs and brewpubs on January 1, 2007.

“The District has taken a historic step in protecting the public’s right to breathe clean air and this new law will provide all District workers and residents with healthier, safer and smoke-free environments,” said Gregg A. Pane, MD, Director of the Department of Health.  “We are particularly proud that this law will protect restaurant employees and customers from secondhand smoke.”

The smoke free program is being implemented by the Department’s Tobacco Control Program, which will hold several roundtables throughout the District to explain the new law and to provide businesses and the public with the resources they need for effective implementation. 

There will be regulations forthcoming over the next 45 to 60 days that will address components of the smoking ban legislation, namely how businesses can qualify for an economic hardship waiver.  Officials at the Department of Health are working with smoking ban advocates and the hospitality industry to develop balanced and appropriate rules.

For more information contact the Department of Health Tobacco Control Program at (202) 671-5000.

Individuals can also access the Tobacco Control Program’s website to find additional information, smoke-free informational brochures, complaint forms and downloadable “no smoking” signage.”