Details of law that took effect today to ban smoking in most public places and workplaces in Pennsylvania:

SMOKING BANNED:

• Enclosed workplaces and commercial establishments.

• Areas where the public is invited or permitted.

SMOKING PERMITTED :

• Bars where food amounts to no more than 20 percent of annual sales.

• A designated outdoor smoking area at a sports or recreation facility, theater or performance space.

• Private clubs whose officers agree to allow smoking.

• Up to 25 percent of rooms in places that offer lodging, like a hotels and motels, and all rooms at full-service truck stops.

• Up to 25 percent of a casino floor, and up to 50 percent if a casino can prove to the state Department of Revenue that the ban is hurting its business.

• Nursing homes, adult care facilities, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and mental health facilities.

• Private residences and private vehicles, unless the residence or vehicle is being used for child care or adult care services.

• Volunteer fire and rescue companies.

• Cigar bars connected to a tobacco shop or where tobacco-related products are at least 15 percent of annual sales.

• Tobacco shops; manufacturers, importers and wholesalers of tobacco products; manufacturers of tobacco-related products.

• Tobacco-promotion events, or fundraisers for nonprofit and charitable organizations where cigars are featured.

PENALTIES :

• Up to $250 fine for first offense.

• Up to $500 fine for second offense within a year of first.

• Up to $1000 fine for third offense within a year of second.

Source: Senate Bill 246

Copyright ©2026— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)