Austin Public Health

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Smoking in Public Places

The Smoking Ordinance prohibits smoking in most public places and workplaces unless listed as an exception in the Smoking Ordinance. Austin Public Health is responsible for enforcement of Austin’s Smoking in Public Places and Minor's Access to Tobacco ordinances.

Report a Smoking Violation

To report a smoking violation in the City of Austin, use one of the options below:

-> Report a smoking violation | City of Austin Services | AustinTexas.gov

-> Austin 3-1-1 | City of Austin | AustinTexas.gov

Need help to setup smoking free events? Check out our Tool Kit for Smoke and Electronic Cigarette-Free Events.

City of Austin Ordinances

For more information on City of Austin ordinances, or to download a Smoke-Free Establishment sign for your establishment, click on the drop-down menus below.

Smoking in Public Places Ordinance (SIPPO)

Smoking in Public Places Ordinance
Under Austin City Code Chapter 10-6, smoking is prohibited in all public places, city-owned enclosed facilities, workplaces, and within 15 feet of entrances or windows to prohibited spaces. Owners/operators must prevent smoking in enclosed public places or face penalties. For more information, view our Community Meeting Questions and Answers (PDF).

-> CHAPTER 10-6. - SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES. | Code of Ordinances | Austin, TX | Municode Library

Smoke-Free Establishment Sign

Mandatory Signage & Compliance
Operators must post clear “No Smoking” signs (or symbols) inside the restaurant and at every entrance where smoking is banned per the chapter. In approved outdoor smoking areas, signs must explicitly indicate that these are designated smoking zones. All smoking accessories (e.g., ashtrays) must be removed from non-smoking zones.

-> Smoke-free establishment sign (PDF)

Minors Access to Tobacco Ordinance (MATTO)

Minors Access to Tobacco Ordinance
Under City of Austin City Code Chapter 10-4, it is illegal to sell, give, or provide cigarettes, tobacco products, or electronic smoking devices to minors. Offering free tobacco products or coupons (e.g., “two-for-one” deals) to anyone under 18 is strictly prohibited. Sellers must verify age using government-issued photo ID. Austin Public Health enforces these rules through regular inspections and complaints.

-> CHAPTER 10-4. - MINORS' ACCESS TO TOBACCO. | Code of Ordinances | Austin, TX | Municode Library

Contact Information

If you need assistance, we're here to help. Use the contact us form or reach us by phone, email, mail, or in person at the address below. You can also view a map of our location for easy directions.

  • Phone: (512) 978-0300 and select option 5.
  • Email: ehsd.service@austintexas.gov
  • Mailing Address: Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.
    *All overnight or expedited mail should be sent directly to our Rutherford Lane office to ensure timely processing.
  • Physical Address: Environmental Health Services, 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754.

Have Feedback?

We welcome your feedback and use it to improve our services. Please share your experience through the online survey below. If you need to address a concern or request a second opinion about an inspection result or complaint, contact us at 512-978-0300 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

--> Feedback Survey: Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services

To return to our Environmental Health Services Division page, visit Environmental Health Services | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.