Corpus Christi, TX Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Sec. " "Public building" is defined as any building other than a private residence (unless that residence is used as a child care, adult day care, or health care facility); mixed-use buildings are covered only in their business portions. Owners, operators, or managers in control of a covered premises must post "No Smoking" signs or the international no-smoking symbol at every entrance and must remove ashtrays and smoking paraphernalia from areas where smoking is barred; placing ashtrays, paraphernalia, or smoking-permitted signage in a banned area is itself a separate offense.

m. Private clubs are exempt unless hosting an event open to the general public, and a narrow bingo-facility exemption applies if the smoking area is mechanically ventilated, closed to minors, and not a required path to restrooms or concessions. Critically, subsection (i) expressly states nothing in the section "may be construed to prohibit smoking on outside patios, such as those located at bars, lounges, nightclubs, taverns and restaurants," so outdoor dining and drinking patios remain unregulated by this ordinance so long as they comply with fire and state alcoholic-beverage rules. Parks are not addressed at all in Sec. 23-76. The director of health and designees may inspect covered premises and issue notices of violation.