Arlington, TX Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- City buildings
- Smoke-free
- Entrance buffer
- 25 feet
- Parks and trails
- Smoke-free
- Private bars
- Owner discretion
Summary
Arlington bans smoking and vaping inside all city-owned buildings, vehicles, and within 25 feet of public entrances. City parks, trails, and public playgrounds are smoke-free; private restaurants and bars set their own indoor policies.
Sec. 161.089. PREEMPTION OF LOCAL LAW. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), this subchapter does not preempt a local regulation of the sale, distribution, or use of cigarettes or tobacco products or affect the authority of a political subdivision to adopt or enforce an ordinance or requirement relating to the sale, distribution, or use of cigarettes or tobacco products if the regulation, ordinance, or requirement: (1) is compatible with and equal to or more stringent than a requirement prescribed by this subchapter; or (2) relates to an issue that is not specifically addressed by this subchapter or Chapter 154 or 155, Tax Code.
Full Breakdown
Arlington's smoking policy restricts smoking and vaping inside all city-owned buildings, on city-owned grounds within 25 feet of any public entrance, and throughout city parks, trails, and the central library plaza. Unlike Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington has not adopted a comprehensive citywide private-workplace smoking ban; restaurants, bars, and offices set their own indoor smoking rules. AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field are smoke-free under team policy with designated outdoor smoking areas. UTA campus is fully tobacco-free under university rules. Texas Health and Safety Code 161.252 limits smoking in public schools and certain healthcare facilities.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the city facility ban are Class C misdemeanors carrying fines up to $200. Park smoking can also bring parks-and-recreation citations. Stadium and UTA violations are handled by venue ejection and university discipline rather than city citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke at a Cowboys tailgate?
Are restaurants smoke-free?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Arlington to another location·View the Texas public conduct overview
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Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.