City of San Antonio Smoking Ordinance
Effective January 1, 2004

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In 1986, the City of San Antonio adopted an ordinance that regulated smoking in public places. In 2003, the City addressed secondhand tobacco smoke and its adverse effects on public health, which resulted in revisions to the City Code, Chapter 36, Smoking. This Chapter shall be enforced by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, the Fire Department, or their designees.

All food establishments that choose to have designated smoking areas will be impacted by the revisions of this Code. The Code exempts billiard halls, bingo facilities, retail tobacco stores and stand-alone bars. However, all licensed food establishments will need to meet the requirements for signage. Areas of an establishment that are declared "Smoking Permitted" will need to be so marked and in an enclosed area. Signage as required by the new ordinance must be displayed in a visible location. "Smoking Permitted" signs may be purchased from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District at cost. All other required signage must be provided by the affected establishment from a source of their choice.

If you have any comments or questions concerning the Code and its new revisions pertaining to food establishments, please contact the Health District at (210) 207-8853 for more information. For comments or questions concerning non food-related businesses or locations, please contact the Fire Marshall's office at 210-207-8410.

San Antonio Smoking Ordinances:
#97990 (8/14/03)
#97895 (8/7/03)
#75573 (4/2/92)
#62781 (4/24/86)


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