Atlanta to Ban Smoking in Restaurants, Bars, and its Airport

Statue of a business traveler at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Atlanta will ban smoking and vaping in numerous public place starting next year, city officials said.

The Atlanta City Council voted to institute a ban, which will be enforced in restaurants, bars, shops, and offices, in addition to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Council members voted 13-2 in favor of the ordinance and it is slated to go into effect on January 2, 2020.  The measure still requires the mayor’s signature to become law.

“Everyone in Atlanta has the right to breathe smoke-free air,” said council member Matt Westmoreland, who sponsored the measure, saying it will advance public health “while doing our best to protect the small businesses.”

The city first instituted a partial smoking ban in 2005, which only allowed for smoking in bars and restaurants in enclosed rooms with independent air-flow systems. Smoking will continue to be allowed outdoors at bars and restaurants as well as in private residences, cigar bars, and smoke shops.

The new law will result in the closing of the smoking rooms currently located at Hartsfield-Jackson, although outdoor smoking areas will continue to be open to travelers, even though travelers will be required to exit the airport in order to use them and re-clear security upon returning.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)