Decatur, AL Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 18.5 of the Code of Decatur, Alabama, was adopted by Ord. No. 07-3906 on August 6, 2007. Its definition of smoking, amended in January 2019, covers inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or other lighted tobacco product, and also using, inhaling, exhaling or carrying an operating electronic smoking device (§ 18.5-1).

Section 18.5-5 bans smoking in all seating areas of outdoor arenas, stadiums and amphitheaters, as well as in bleachers and grandstands used by spectators at sporting events and other public events. Section 18.5-6 sets a ten-foot buffer: smoking is prohibited within ten feet outside an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited, so smoke does not drift in through entrances, windows or ventilation systems. The owner, operator or manager of an establishment can require a larger distance, but then must post a conspicuous sign at every entrance stating the distance in feet.

An owner, operator or manager can also declare an entire establishment, facility or outdoor area nonsmoking, and smoking is then prohibited wherever a conforming sign is posted (§ 18.5-8). Signs must show the words No Smoking or the international symbol, a burning cigarette in a red circle with a red bar, and ashtrays must be removed from any area where smoking is prohibited (§ 18.5-9). The person in control must ask anyone smoking in violation to stop. Chapter 18.5 does not permit smoking anywhere the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act restricts it (§ 18.5-14).

Enforcement belongs to sworn Decatur police officers and the county health officer or a representative, while the building and inspection department enforces structure and signage provisions (§ 18.5-11). An employee or private citizen can bring legal action, and the police chief or fire chief can seek an injunction.