Jackson, MS Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Entrance/window buffer
- 20 feet from smoke-free building entrances
- Restaurant patio buffer
- Banned in and within 20 feet of seating
- Stadium buffer
- 20 feet from bleachers/grandstands
- Designated smoking areas
- Must sit 20+ feet from seating/concessions
- Smoker fine
- Up to $500 per violation
- Business fine
- $500 first, $1,000 repeat, plus license risk
- Enforcing agency
- Office of Code Services / Jackson Police Dept.
Summary
Jackson's Capital City Smoke-Free Air Ordinance, City Code Sec. 86-167, bans smoking within 20 feet of entrances, windows and vents of smoke-free buildings, in outdoor restaurant seating and within 20 feet of it, and within 20 feet of bleachers and grandstands at outdoor arenas and stadiums unless in a marked perimeter smoking area at least 20 feet from seating or concessions.
Smoking shall be prohibited in the following outdoor places: (1)Within the reasonable distance of 20 feet outside entrances, operable windows, and ventilation systems of enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited, so as to insure that tobacco smoke does not enter those areas.(2)In outdoor seating or serving areas of restaurants and within 20 feet thereof.(3)In all outdoor arenas, stadiums, and amphitheaters, except in designated smoking areas, which may be established only in perimeter areas at least 20 feet from any seating areas or concession stands. Smoking shall also be prohibited in, and within 20 feet of bleachers and grandstands for use by spectators at sporting and other public events.(4)In all public transit stations, platforms, and shelters under the authority of the City of Jackson.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 55).
Full Breakdown
Adopted as the "Capital City Smoke-Free Air Ordinance of 2003" under Sec. 86-161 and re-enacted by Ord. No. 2010-15(1) on July 8, 2010, the article's findings in Sec. " Sec. 86-167 lists four outdoor prohibitions: (1) within 20 feet of entrances, operable windows and ventilation systems of any enclosed area where smoking is already barred; (2) in outdoor restaurant seating or serving areas and within 20 feet of them; (3) in outdoor arenas, stadiums and amphitheaters, and within 20 feet of bleachers or grandstands, except in a posted perimeter smoking area set at least 20 feet from seating or concession stands; and (4) in city public transit stations, platforms and shelters.
Sec. 86-168 exempts private residences (unless used as childcare, adult day care or a health facility), up to 20 percent of contiguous hotel/motel rooms designated smoking, no-employee private clubs during non-public functions, general outdoor areas of workplaces not covered by Sec. 86-167, and retail tobacco stores. Sec. 86-170 requires "No Smoking" signage at every regulated entrance, and Sec. 86-172 puts enforcement with the office of code services, acting on inspections or on affidavits filed with the Jackson Police Department.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 86-173 makes an individual smoker's violation a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.00 per violation. An owner, manager or operator who fails to keep a covered space smoke-free faces up to $500.00 for a first violation and up to $1,000.00 for a second or later violation within a year, plus possible suspension or revocation of any city permit or license for the premises. Each day of noncompliance is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jackson
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