Outdoor Smoking Restrictions: Chicago vs Skokie
How do outdoor smoking restrictions rules compare between Chicago, IL and Skokie, IL?
Chicago and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
The Chicago Clean Indoor Air Ordinance, MCC chapter 7-32, plus the state Smoke-Free Illinois Act 410 ILCS 82, ban smoking in restaurants, bars, parks, beaches, transit shelters, and within fifteen feet of building entrances. Vaping is treated identically.
View full Chicago rules →Skokie, IL
Cook County
The Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82) bans smoking in enclosed public places and within 15 feet of building entrances. Cook County DPH enforces in unincorporated areas and contracting suburbs. Many Cook municipalities added park, beach, and outdoor-dining smoking bans on top of the state floor.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| City code | MCC chapter 7-32 | - |
| State law | 410 ILCS 82 Smoke-Free Illinois | - |
| Building buffer | Fifteen feet from entrances | - |
| Park District | All parks and beaches covered | - |
| State act | - | Smoke Free Illinois Act 410 ILCS 82 |
| Outdoor buffer | - | 15 feet from entrances |
| Enforcer | - | Cook County DPH Tobacco Program |
| E-cigarette indoor | - | Banned same as tobacco |
| Fine range | - | $100 to $2,500 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Can I smoke on a Chicago beach?
No. Chicago Park District beaches and parks are smoke-free under MCC 7-32 and Park District Code. Cigarettes, cigars, vapes, and cannabis are all prohibited; rangers issue tickets.
Does the fifteen-foot rule apply to outdoor patios?
Yes. You must keep fifteen feet from entrances, operable windows, and air intakes even at restaurant patios. Many establishments post no-smoking signs covering the entire outdoor dining area.
Skokie FAQ
Where can I smoke outdoors in Cook County?
Generally on private property, sidewalks beyond 15 feet from any building entrance, and in designated outdoor smoking areas. Most county forest preserves, parks, beaches, and many train platforms now ban outdoor smoking by local ordinance.
Does the Smoke Free Illinois Act cover vaping?
Yes for indoor public spaces and workplaces. The Act was amended to include electronic cigarettes in enclosed venues. Outdoor vaping rules vary by municipality; Chicago and several suburbs treat e-cigarettes the same as tobacco in parks and beaches.
Who enforces in unincorporated Cook?
Cook County Department of Public Health Tobacco Enforcement Program responds to complaints, conducts compliance checks, and issues fines. Residents can report violations to CCDPH or call the Illinois Department of Public Health smoke-free complaint line.
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