Bloomington, IL Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Bloomington City Code Chapter 41, Article II, bans smoking in all enclosed public places and places of employment in the City (§ 41-204) and in any enclosed City facility or City vehicle (§ 41-203). Section 41-205 extends that ban outward: smoking is prohibited within 15 feet of any public entrance to an area where smoking is barred. Section 41-206 lists exemptions from the article, including private residences, up to 25% of hotel or motel rooms designated as smoking rooms, private clubs and lodges, churches, and public sidewalks, roadways, parks, and golf courses.

Outdoor patios are on that exemption list, but only partially: § 41-206(D) exempts an outdoor patio "except for that area of an outdoor patio within 15 feet of a primary public entrance to an area where smoking is prohibited," so the 15-foot buffer around a bar or restaurant's door still applies even on an open-air patio. Establishments must post a conspicuous no-smoking sign, or the international no-smoking symbol, at every entrance where smoking is prohibited (§ 41-210). An owner, operator, or manager may also voluntarily declare an entire establishment, facility, or outdoor area non-smoking by posting a sign, and smoking is then barred there under § 41-207. Complaints go to the City of Bloomington, and the City checks compliance during any inspection it already conducts of the establishment (§ 41-209).