North Georgia Health District | GA Smoke Free Air Act

What is the Georgia Smokefree Air Act of 2005?

In May 2005, Governor Sonny Perdue signed the Georgia Smokefree Air Act into law. Effective July 1, 2005, the new law prohibits smoking inside most public areas and outlines specific guidelines for allowing smoking in and around establishments that serve the public. However, the Act does allow for more restrictive local laws, rules, and regulations that are currently in place or may be passed in the future. Visit http://dhr.georgia.gov/gasmokefreeair for more information.

How is this law helpful to me?

This law is helpful because it reduces your exposure to secondhand smoke and its associated risks. Tobacco use, particularly smoking, is the leading preventable
cause of death in the United States. Eliminating smoking in public places will reduce
the number of tobacco-related illnesses and deaths, which number more than
11,000 each year in Georgia alone. This law provides cleaner and safer
environments for us to live, work, and play.

Where is smoking NOT allowed?

Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed facilities, including buildings owned,
leased, or operated by the State or local governing authorities.

Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places except as indicated in code
section 31-12A-6.

Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas within places of employment unless
authorized in code section 31-12A-6. Examples include:

- Restaurants and bars, except as noted in exemptions - Common work areas - Medical facilities - Auditoriums - Cafeterias - Classrooms - Stairs	- Private offices - Restrooms - Elevators - Hallways - Employee lounges - Conference rooms - Meeting rooms - All other enclosed facilities

An owner, operator, manager, or other person in control of an establishment,
facility, or outdoor area may declare an entire area as a non-smoking area.

The owner, operator, manager, or other person in control of any area in which
smoking is prohibited must remove all ashtrays.

Should signs be posted?

Signs where smoking is prohibited and signs stating where smoking is allowed are to be prominently posted in plain view and properly maintained. You can go to http://dhr.georgia.gov/gasmokefreeair to view and download signs.

Where can I report a violation?

You may report violations of the Act to your local environmental health office, or The North Georgia Health District (706)272-2342.

*information from the DHR Publication "Information about the GEORGIA SMOKEFREE AIR ACT of 2005."
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