Here are some key points of Austin’s smoking ordinance as it applies to bars and restaurants:

  • Hours: No smoking is allowed in restaurants between 6am-2pm. Smoking is allowed between 2pm-6am in a bar or lounge area, provided there is a separate ventilation system, and at least 25% of the space is reserved for nonsmokers.

  • Smoking Areas: Restaurants which don’t have a bar area may designate a smoking area, for use only between 10pm-6am, provided smoke doesn’t waft onto nonsmoking areas. The smoking area must not be larger in size than the number of customers usually requesting a smoking area, as determined by the owner.

  • Entrances: Smoking is banned within 15 feet of any pedestrian entrance to a public place.

  • Bars: Smoking is allowed in bars, if they are not also used as dining areas; 25% of the bar space must be reserved for a nonsmoking area, which must have a separate ventilation system.

  • Live Music Venues must offer at least 25% nonsmoking shows per week, of at least two hours in duration.

  • Signs must be posted outside restaurants and bars indicating whether the establishment is nonsmoking only, or if smoking is allowed in designated areas.

This article appears in October 8 • 1999.

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