SB372 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tammy Irons

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Harri Anne SmithVivian Davis FiguresGeorge M. “Marc” KeaheyBobby D. SingletonPriscilla DunnLinda Coleman-MadisonQuinton RossHank SandersRodger SmithermanDel MarshJ.T. WaggonerCam WardWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyJerry L. Fielding

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Health, smoking prohibited in places of employment, public places and private clubs, outdoor areas, exceptions, responsibilities of Health Department and State Board of Health, penalties, Smoke-free Air Act, Secs. 22-15A-1 to 22-15A-10, inclusive, repealed

Summary

SB372 would replace the current indoor smoking law with the Alabama Smoke-free Air Act of 2011, banning smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces and in many outdoor areas, with penalties and enforcement provisions.

What This Bill Does

It repeals the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act and creates the Alabama Smoke-free Air Act of 2011. It bans smoking in enclosed areas of public places, places of employment, and enclosed areas of private clubs, and it also restricts smoking in certain outdoor areas near entrances, outdoor seating, arenas, playgrounds, and service lines. It exempts private residences not used for child care, adult care, or health care facilities. It sets requirements for owners and employers to post signage, inform applicants and employees, and enforce the ban, with penalties for violations.

Who It Affects

• Employees and members of the public (customers, visitors) in places of employment, public places, and private clubs who would be protected from exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Owners, managers, and employers (and local governments) who must enforce the ban, post signs, inform applicants and employees, and may face fines, civil penalties, or license suspensions for violations.

Key Provisions

• Repeals the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act and creates the Alabama Smoke-free Air Act of 2011.
• Prohibits smoking in all enclosed areas of public places and enclosed areas of places of employment, and in enclosed areas of private clubs.
• Prohibits smoking in outdoor areas as specified: within 15 feet of entrances/exits/operable windows/ventilation intakes; within 15 feet of outdoor seating and serving areas; within outdoor arenas and near bleachers; in outdoor playgrounds and outdoor service lines.
• Exempts private residences not used for child care, adult care, or health care facilities.
• Requires owners/operators to post No Smoking signs at each place and at entrances, remove ashtrays from prohibited areas, and provide smoking prohibition notices to applicants and employees; empowers them to eject violators and involve law enforcement if needed.
• Prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports a violation and protects employees' rights.
• Imposes penalties: smokers in prohibited areas may be fined up to $50; owners/managers face escalating fines (up to $100 for a first violation and up to $200 for a second within a year) plus possible civil fines up to $1,000 for third and subsequent violations, with daily counts and possible license suspension or revocation.
• Allows local governments to adopt stricter rules; assigns enforcement duties to the Department of Public Health and the State Board of Health; procedures for complaints and enforcement are provided.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health