Fort Worth, TX Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Code reference
- Fort Worth Code Chapter 11.5
- Adopted
- Voter initiative 2007
- Entrance buffer
- 20 feet from public buildings
- Parks
- Smoke-free including e-cigarettes
- Penalty class
- Class C misdemeanor
Summary
Fort Worth City Code Chapter 11.5 (Smoke-Free Air ordinance) has restricted smoking and vaping in indoor public places and many outdoor areas since 2007, including bars, restaurants, parks, sports venues, and within 20 feet of building entrances at public facilities, with FWPD and Code Compliance enforcement.
Sec. 161.087. DISTRIBUTION OF CIGARETTES, E-CIGARETTES, OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS. (a) A person may not distribute:(1) a free sample of a cigarette, e-cigarette, or tobacco product; or(2) a coupon or other item that the recipient may use to receive a free cigarette, e-cigarette, or tobacco product or a sample cigarette, e-cigarette, or tobacco product.(a-1) A person may not distribute to persons younger than 21 years of age a coupon or other item that the recipient may use to receive a discounted cigarette, e-cigarette, or tobacco product.
Full Breakdown
Adopted by voter initiative in 2007 and strengthened over the years, Chapter 11.5 of the Fort Worth City Code bans smoking and electronic-cigarette use inside almost all enclosed public places and workplaces, including bars, restaurants, retail, and offices. Outdoor restrictions cover city parks, sports complexes, public seating areas, transit stops, and within 20 feet of entrances and operable windows of public buildings. Property owners must post no-smoking signage, remove ashtrays, and ask violators to stop. Cigar bars and outdoor patios meeting strict criteria are exempt. Fort Worth Code Compliance and FWPD enforce through warnings and Class C citations for both smokers and proprietors who fail to enforce.
Violations & Fines
Smoking or vaping inside an enclosed public place, in a city park or playground, within 20 feet of a public-building entrance, or where signage prohibits it triggers Class C citations for the smoker and possible owner fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on a bar patio in Fort Worth?
Does the Fort Worth smoke-free ordinance cover vaping and e-cigarettes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
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Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.