Wisconsin's statewide Smoke-Free Air Act (Wis. Stat. 101.123) bans smoking inside bars, restaurants, and workplaces. Madison adds restrictions in city parks, near playgrounds, and at bus stops.
Wis. Stat. 101.123 prohibits smoking inside virtually all enclosed places of employment and public buildings statewide, with limited exceptions for tobacco retailers and outdoor smoking patios. Madison Parks Division rules ban smoking and vaping within 25 feet of playgrounds, splash pads, beaches, and athletic fields. Smoking is also prohibited at Metro Transit bus shelters and at the entrances to municipal buildings. Cannabis smoking in public follows the same rules, plus MGO 23.20 forfeitures. The ordinance protects children, athletes, and transit riders from secondhand smoke exposure.
Smoke-Free Air Act fines run $100-$250 per offense; Madison Parks citations for smoking near playgrounds typically run $124, with repeat offenses and litter violations adding fees.
See how Madison's outdoor smoking restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.