Grand Forks, ND Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Section 13-1103(1) prohibits smoking in public places, places of employment, and the indoor and outdoor areas of restaurants and bars, including patios, decks, courtyards, sidewalks and porches under the definitions in section 13-1102. It also bans smoking within 20 feet of any entrance, exit, operable window, air intake or ventilation system of an enclosed area where smoking is barred, and in any area a business owner designates nonsmoking. Section 13-1103(2) carves out exceptions: private residences (unless used as licensed child care, adult day care, or health care), outdoor areas of most workplaces other than sports arenas or restaurants, owner-operated businesses with no other employee, outdoor patios of class 1 or 3 licensed bars where patrons must be 21 and no food is served, compliant smoking shelters, and traditional American Indian spiritual or cultural ceremonies.

Section 13-1103(3) lets a property owner or manager apply to the public health department director for a variance from the 20-foot buffer, shrinking it to no less than 15 feet on clear and convincing evidence smoke will not reach the protected entrances or windows. Section 13-1105 requires posting 'no smoking' signs at every prohibited location and every entrance, removing ashtrays from those areas, and directing violators to stop or leave, with a report to the Grand Forks Police Department if they refuse.