Augusta-Richmond County, GA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Outdoor smoking status
- Not prohibited generally
- Only restriction
- Reasonable distance from entrances, vents
- Smoker fine
- Up to $50 per Sec. 4-2-89
- Enforcement
- Planning & Development Dept, Sheriff's Office
- Not covered
- City of Blythe, City of Hephzibah
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County does not ban smoking in outdoor public places like parks or patios: only a reasonable buffer distance from doorways and vents of smoke-free buildings is required.
Smoking and e-cigarettes shall not be prohibited in outdoor places, except within a reasonable distance of outside entrances, operable windows, and ventilation systems of enclosed areas where smoking and e-cigarettes are prohibited, so as to prevent tobacco smoke or vapor from entering those areas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Augusta-Richmond County's 2018 smoking ordinance (Ord. No. 7622) bans smoking and e-cigarettes inside enclosed public buildings, workplaces, and certain enclosed residential facilities, but Sec. 4-2-83 expressly states smoking is not prohibited in outdoor places, including parks, sidewalks, and restaurant patios. The only outdoor restriction is a 'reasonable distance' buffer from outside entrances, operable windows, and ventilation systems of buildings where smoking is barred indoors, meant to keep smoke and vapor from entering. Owners may still voluntarily post an outdoor area as nonsmoking under Sec. 4-2-85. Separately incorporated Blythe and Hephzibah fall outside this county ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Smoking inside a prohibited enclosed area or its entrance buffer zone is an infraction carrying a fine up to $50 under Sec. 4-2-89(A); owners or managers who fail to enforce the Article face fines from $100 to $500 per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke in an Augusta park or on a restaurant patio?
Can a business make its outdoor patio smoke-free anyway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
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