San Antonio Metropolitan Health District
332 W. Commerce
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Telephone: (210) 207-8780
The San Antonio City Council voted to make changes to the public smoking ordinance that will prohibit smoking in additional places within the city limits of San Antonio beginning August 19, 2011. The full content of the ordinance is located in the City Code, Part II, Chapter 36. It is also available as a document file on this website.
Breaking News
Check this section of the website for news and updates as they become available.
About the Smoking Ordinance
The changes to the smoking ordinance go into effect on August 19, 2011. Major changes are summarized on this web page, however the City Code should be consulted for full details.
Indoor smoking will be restricted in all restaurants, bars, gaming facilities, entertainment venues, and places of employment. All ashtrays and other smoking-related items must be removed from these areas. Indoor smoking will not be regulated in private clubs as described in the ordinance, retail tobacco stores, hotel/motel rooms designated for smoking, and private residences except when used as child, adult, or health care facilities. Smoking may still be allowed in outdoor areas unless prohibited by the ordinance.
Outdoor smoking will be restricted in San Antonio Zoo facilities and grounds, all outdoor sports arenas, stadiums, and amphitheaters, all pavilions and playgrounds in city-owned parks, and within 20 feet of all outdoor public transportation stations, platforms, and shelters under city authority.
Signs will be required to designate non-smoking areas. In cases when a facility is exempt from smoking restriction, signs must be used to designate that the area permits smoking and include the mandatory warning message provided by the City of San Antonio:
Tobacco smoke causes cancer, heart and lung disease, and can harm your baby.
For Businesses and Facilities
Metro Health’s Food & Environmental Health Services office can provide information and assistance to businesses about the changes to the smoking ordinance and how to comply with the regulations. Call (210) 207-8853 or email samhd@sanantonio.gov for assistance.
Brochure for Businesses and Facilities Affected by the Smoking Ordinance
Metro Health developed a brochure for businesses and facilities affected by the smoking ordinance to describe the changes and how to comply with the regulations.
Smoking Signs
Examples of “No Smoking” and “Smoking Permitted” signs that comply with the new ordinance are available for free by downloading the document files.
Assistance to Stop Smoking
The Metro Health Tobacco Prevention and Control Program can provide resources for those who want to quit smoking and for worksites that want to develop a smoke-free policy for their facilities.
Report a Violation of the Smoking Ordinance
If you have a complaint about a violation of the smoking ordinance, call Metro Health at (210) 207-8853 or email samhd@sanantonio.gov.
Media or News Inquiries
Contact Public Relations at (210) 207-8780.
For General Assistance
For general assistance, contact Metro Health at (210) 207-8780 or email samhd@sanantonio.gov
