Evansville, IN Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Enclosed public places
- smoking banned outright
- Buffer zone
- 25 feet from entrances/vents
- Patio exemption
- restaurant/bar seating areas exempt
- First-offense fine
- up to $50
- Repeat fine
- $100–$500 per violation
Summary
Evansville bans smoking in every enclosed public place and workplace, and also within 25 feet of their doors, windows, and vents, though patio seating tied to a restaurant or bar is exempt.
(A) Except as provided in EMC 8.30.030, smoking is prohibited in all public places within the City, including, but not limited to...Shopping malls; Sports arenas...(C) Smoking is also prohibited within 25 feet outside any enclosed area where smoking is prohibited to ensure that tobacco smoke does not enter such enclosed area through entrances, windows, or ventilation.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
EMC 8.30.020 bans smoking in enclosed public places city-wide, elevators, health care facilities, shopping malls, sports arenas, service lines, and all customer areas of businesses, plus every enclosed employee work location. Subsection (C) extends the ban to within 25 feet outside any of those enclosed areas so smoke can't drift back in through doors, windows, or vents. EMC 8.30.030 carves out private residences, private vehicles, retail tobacco stores, qualifying bars, and 'any outdoor area connected to a restaurant, bar, or tavern in which seating is provided,' so open-air patio seating itself stays exempt.
Violations & Fines
A first violation in a calendar year draws up to a $50 fine; each later violation that year runs $100 to $500, and the City can also suspend the violator's business permit or license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on a restaurant patio in Evansville?
How close to a building entrance can I smoke?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
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