What is the Iowa Smokefree Air Act?

In the spring of 2008, Iowa lawmakers passed legislation to protect employees and the general public. The Smokefree Air Act prohibits smoking in almost all public places and enclosed areas within places of employment, as well as some outdoor areas.

The law applies to: restaurants, bars, outdoor entertainment events and amphitheaters. It also covers places of employment such as office buildings, health care facilities, and child care facilities. Smoking is allowed on the gaming floor of a licensed casino, as well as designated hotel and motel rooms.

Important Updates

• The primary goal of the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is to promote compliance with the Smokefree Air Act. To help achieve this, IDPH will continue to focus on educating the public and business owners about the law.
• On January 2, 2009, an Administrative Law Judge proposed liquor license sanctions on Otis Campbell’s in West Burlington and Fro’s in Wilton. Click here for more information.
• On November 12, 2008, the Iowa State Board of Health adopted the administrative rules that accompany the SmokefreeAir Act. The amended rules went into effect on January 7, 2009.
• To view a summary of the administrative rule comments received during the public comment period, and to view a log of each comment received, please click here.
• On July 2, 2008, the Iowa Restaurant Association submitted a request to the Department pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.4A(1) to conduct a regulatory analysis of the SAA administrative rules. The Department has completed the requested regulatory analysis in the interest of furthering the public discussion on this important topic. download the Analysis  .
• To help you understand the Smokefree Air Act, download the brochure  .
• As more information about the Smokefree Air Act becomes available, IDPH will update this Web site.

Sign Requirements

The Smokefree Air Act requires businesses to post “no smoking” signs at every entrance that “clearly and conspicuously” inform persons that they are entering an area where smoking is prohibited, including entrances to outdoor serving and seating areas and in all vehicles owned, leased, or provided by an employer.

All “no smoking” signs must contain the following elements:

1. The words “No Smoking” or the international “no smoking” symbol
2. The Smokefree Air Act Helpline: “1-888-944-2247”
3. The official Web site: “www.IowaSmokefreeAir.gov”

All “no smoking” signs should be at least 24 square inches in size. Font type and size must be legible. Vehicle signage must meet all of the above requirements, but the size can be at least 9 square inches.

To download sample signs, please click here. These signs are suitable for posting indoors. Outdoor or custom signs should be ordered from the vendor of your choice.

Duties of Proprietors

Proprietors are required to take certain actions in order to comply with the Smokefree Air Act.

• Employers have a responsibility to inform all current employees and all prospective employees upon application for employment about the requirements of the law.
• All ashtrays must be removed from areas where smoking is prohibited.
• No-smoking signs which meet the requirements of the law must be clearly posted at all entrances to areas where smoking is prohibited. This includes the designated seating areas of outdoor entertainment venues.
• A proprietor must inform any individual smoking in a place where smoking is prohibited that the individual is violating the Smokefree Air Act and request that the individual stop smoking immediately.
• If the individual refuses to stop smoking, the proprietor may discontinue service to that individual.