What Are the Georgia Smoking Bans?

In 2005, Georgia ratified the Smokefree Air Act, enacting a state-wide smoking ban on all enclosed public spaces and all enclosed areas within places of employment. It allows for exemptions for restaurants and bars that have individual and separate ventilation systems and restrict entry and employment to people over 18 years of age. Individual localities are permitted under this law to enforce stricter policies, so laws across the state vary.

Bar and Restaurant Bans

• A few localities have opted to ban smoking in all bars and restaurants, regardless of the state-endorsed exceptions. In Athens, Effingham County, Gainesville, Snellville, and Tift County, smoking in prohibited in all bars and restaurants. In Buena Vista and Morrow, the ban extends to all enclosed workplaces, as well as bars and restaurants.

Restaurant and Workplace Bans with Bar Exemptions

• In Berkeley Lake, Columbia County, Cordele, Decatur, DeKalb County, Douglas, Douglas County, Douglasville, Loganville, and Valdosta, smoking is prohibited in restaurants but is allowed in bars.

Restaurant Bans with Bar and Workplace Exemptions

• In Madison, Peachtree, and Tifton, the smoking ban extends to all restaurants, but bars and other enclosed workplaces with all-adult staff and clientele allow smoking.