Frederick, MD Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Section 6-20 designates two categories of smoke-free areas in City parks: any playground and any point within ten (10) feet surrounding the playground, and outdoor bleachers or other fixed seating areas in parks while they are being used by event spectators. "Smoke" or "smoking" is defined broadly to mean igniting, inhaling, exhaling, burning, vaping, operating, or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah, electronic smoking device, tobacco product, or any other combustible substance, expressly including marijuana. "Electronic smoking device" is separately defined to cover e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-cigarillos, e-pipes, e-hookahs, and similar products regardless of marketing name, except devices FDA-approved for treating disease.

A "playground" is defined functionally: an area designed for children's use with play equipment or a sandbox, or one designated by a sign for children, with its boundary set at the edge of the surrounding surface material (like rubber or mulch) if there is no fence. The ordinance's stated purpose is protecting public health and comfort, particularly children's, from environmental tobacco smoke and vapor exposure. The prohibition does not apply to someone smoking while traveling in a motor vehicle. The Deputy Director may post signage marking smoke-free areas, but the absence of a sign does not excuse a violation; the Division may also run a public-education program, including a brochure or webpage, to explain the rule.