Rhode Island - Statewide Smoking Ban

Statewide smoking ban: On March 1, 2005, the Public Health and Workplace Safety Act went into effect, banning smoking statewide in all enclosed workplaces in Rhode Island, including bars and restaurants.

The Act exempts (1) cigar bars, (2) outdoor areas, (3) private and semiprivate rooms in nursing homes, (4) retail tobacco stores, (5) stage performances involving smoking, (6) private residences, except used as a licensed child care, adult daycare, or healthcare facility,[260] and (7) parimutuel gaming floors.

Local governments may regulate smoking more strictly than the Act.