Lincoln, NE Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered areas
- workplaces and public places
- Hotel room exception
- up to 20% of rooms
- First-offense fine
- $100 plus costs
- Repeat-offense fine
- $500 plus costs, third+
- Enforcement
- Health Director and police
Summary
Lincoln bans smoking and vaping in every place of employment and public place, including outdoor patios and other public areas covered by the definition, unless a proprietor designates a narrow exception.
It shall be unlawful for any person to smoke or vape in a place of employment or a public place, except as designated by a proprietor pursuant to this Chapter.
Full Breakdown
The Lincoln Smoking Regulation Act makes it unlawful to smoke or vape in a place of employment or public place. Proprietors may allow it only in hotel guestrooms capped at 20% of rooms (with posted signage) or in a licensed research laboratory or approved college/university study. The Health Director of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and local law enforcement inspect and enforce the chapter citywide.
Violations & Fines
Smoking or vaping in a covered place is a misdemeanor: minimum $100 fine plus costs for a first offense, $200 for a second, $500 for a third and each later offense; every day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lincoln bars or restaurants have a smoking room?
Who enforces Lincoln's smoking ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska public conduct overview
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