Smoke-Free Bars and Restaurants

Benefits of Smoke-Free Bars and Restaurants

  • Protect employees and customers from secondhand smoke.
  • Reduced legal liability.1
  • Reduce fire risk.2
  • Reduce maintenance and cleanings costs from thirdhand smoke, the toxic residue left behind from tobacco smoke.3
  • Attract more customers. Surveys show that most customers prefer smoke-free environments.4

Is there a state law that protects people from secondhand smoke at bars and restaurants?

    Surgeon general statement
  • The Missouri Clean Indoor Air Act states that no person shall smoke in a public place except in designated areas.
    • Bars, taverns, and restaurants that seat less than 50 people are not protected by the law.
  • Designated smoking areas must be 30% or less of the entire space.
  • Restaurant owners or managers must designate nonsmoking areas large enough to meet usual customer demand.
  • If smoking is allowed in bars and restaurants that seat less than 50 people, clear and visible signs must be posted that say “Nonsmoking Areas are Unavailable.”

Read more about the Missouri Clean Indoor Air Act

Who is at risk?

  • Workers at restaurants, bars, and taverns are forced to choose between a paycheck and long term exposure to secondhand smoke.
    • Long term secondhand smoke exposure increases lung cancer risk by 20-30%.6
  • Customers who visit bars and restaurants without smoke-free policies.
    • Short term exposure to secondhand smoke can strain the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk for heart attack,6 trigger asthma attacks.7
    • Short term exposure to secondhand smoke can change the body’s cells in a way that sets the cancer process in motion.6
  • Ventilation systems, barriers, and separate smoking areas do not protect people from secondhand and thirdhand smoke.7

What can you do?

  • Use the tools below to implement a smoke-free policy at your bar or restaurant.
  • Talk to local restaurants and bars about adopting smoke-free policies.
  • Educate your community leaders and business owners about the benefits of smoke-free laws and policies that protect all people at all places.
  • If you believe a bar or restaurant is violating the Missouri Clean Indoor Air Act, report it to your local police department.
    • Individuals can be fined up to $200 for breaking this law.
    • Corporations can be fined up to $500 for breaking this law.

Resources

References