Smoking Ban Takes Effect
Smoking was banned in most public and work places in Pennsylvania beginning Sept. 11, 2008.
Private clubs, parts of most casinos, and bars and taverns where food sales account for less than 20 percent of total sales are exempt from the ban.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has received about 3,000 applications for exceptions to the ban.
Work places affected by the ban—including physician practices—must post no-smoking signs.
Signs are available on the DOH website.
Owners, operators, or managers of an establishment where smoking is prohibited can be fined $250 to $1,000 for failing to post a sign or allowing smoking. Someone smoking in an area where it is prohibited also can be fined $250 to $1,000.
For more information, visit the
Department of Health website.
The Clean Indoor Air Act was signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell on June 13, 2008. The Pennsylvania Medical Society advocated for strong legislation to protect the public from the well-documented adverse health effects of smoking and secondhand smoke.
Last Updated: 10/30/2008