Bay County, MI Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Bay County Code § 72.011
- Where banned
- Library buildings, grounds, bookmobiles
- Exception
- Areas Library System designates
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, up to 90 days jail
- Parental liability
- Up to $2,500 for a minor's violation
Summary
Bay County bans smoking in library buildings, on library grounds and in Library System bookmobiles, except in areas the Library System designates for it. The rule sits in the county's Library Ordinance, Part 72, alongside bans on alcohol, littering and disorderly conduct on library property. A conviction is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.
Sec. 1. Smoking. A person shall not smoke in library buildings, Library System bookmobiles or on library grounds except in areas designated for such a purpose by the Library System.
Full Breakdown
' The ban reaches outdoor library grounds, not just interior spaces, so it applies on library lawns, entrances and parking areas as well as inside a branch. It is one of a series of conduct rules in the same ordinance covering disorderly conduct, striking or annoying another person, loitering, refusal to leave after closing, improper dress, spitting, eating outside designated areas, blocking access, disturbing odors, unsolicited sales, littering and possession of open alcohol on library property. 00, imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both, at the court's discretion.
Article XIII makes a parent or guardian jointly liable, up to $2,500, for a minor's violation of any provision of the ordinance, including the smoking rule, committed while the minor lived with them. The ordinance reaches only library buildings, bookmobiles and library grounds; it is not a general county-wide ban on smoking in parks, restaurants or other outdoor public places.
Violations & Fines
Smoking in a library building or on library grounds outside a designated area is a misdemeanor under Article XVI, Section 1(A) of the Library Ordinance: a fine up to $500.00, up to 90 days in jail, or both, at the court's discretion. A parent or guardian can be held jointly liable, up to $2,500, for a minor's violation committed while living with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke outside on library grounds in Bay County?
Does this smoking ban apply outside libraries too, like in parks?
What is the penalty for smoking on library grounds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bay County
Compare Bay County to another location·View the Michigan public conduct overview
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