SB195 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Vivian Davis FiguresSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Jerry L. FieldingJ.T. WaggonerTammy IronsBobby D. SingletonPaul BussmanQuinton RossGreg J. ReedRodger SmithermanTom WhatleyLinda Coleman-MadisonPriscilla DunnDel MarshGeorge M. “Marc” KeaheyHarri Anne SmithWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyGerald O. DialHank Sanders

Session

Regular Session 2013

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of Health Department and State Board of Health, penalties, Smoke-free Air Act, Secs. 22-15A-1 to 22-15A-10, inclusive, repealed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

SB195 repeals the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act and creates the Alabama Smoke-free Air Act of 2013 to ban smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces, with specific outdoor restrictions and certain exemptions.

What This Bill Does

It bans smoking in all enclosed areas of public places and places of employment. It also restricts smoking in certain outdoor areas, such as near entrances, outdoor seating, playgrounds, outdoor arenas, and service lines. The act provides exemptions for private clubs existing on the effective date, private residences not used for child or adult care or health care facilities, cigar bars, tobacco facilities, and retail tobacco shops. It requires owners and managers to post no-smoking signs, notify job applicants and current employees, remove ashtrays from prohibited areas, and enforce the ban; violations carry fines and potential license suspensions, with local governments allowed to adopt stricter rules and enforcement carried out by the Department of Public Health and State Board of Health.

Who It Affects

• Employees, customers, and other people in public places and places of employment would be prohibited from smoking in enclosed areas and certain outdoor areas.
• Owners, managers, and employers of public places and places of employment must post signs, inform employees, enforce the ban, and may face fines, license suspensions, and civil penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Repeals the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act and establishes the Alabama Smoke-free Air Act of 2013, prohibiting smoking in workplaces and public places and setting definitions and rules.
• Prohibits smoking in all enclosed areas of public places and places of employment; imposes outdoor smoking restrictions near entrances, exits, seating areas, playgrounds, and outdoor venues.
• Defines key terms (e.g., BAR, CIGAR BAR, PRIVATE CLUB, PUBLIC PLACE, ENCLOSED AREA, PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT) and outlines what constitutes smoking and permitted areas.
• Lists exemptions: private residences (unless licensed for child/adult care or health care), outdoor areas of employment (with exceptions), private clubs existing on the act’s effective date (and cigar bars, tobacco facilities, and retail tobacco shops in certain contexts).
• Sets requirements for owners/operators: post No Smoking signs and entrance notices, remove ashtrays in prohibited areas, provide notices to applicants, inform existing employees, and enforce compliance (including directing violators to extinguish and removing them from premises if needed).
• Imposes penalties: individuals smoking in prohibited areas face up to $50 fines; owners/managers face up to $100 for a first violation and up to $200 for a second or subsequent violation within a year; civil fines up to $1,000 for third and subsequent violations; possible suspension or revocation of permits/licenses; daily violation counts.
• Provides enforcement mechanisms: complaints by citizens, inspections by the Department of Public Health or fire authorities, and ability to pursue nuisance abatement and legal action; civil fines go to the department to fund enforcement.
• Allows local governments to adopt stricter smoking rules; permits continuation of local health regulations and other laws that meet minimum standards; clarifies funding and administrative arrangements; establishes effective date three months after passage and governor approval.

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