Nashville, TN Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Fine
- Up to $50 per violation
- Covers
- Playgrounds owned by Metro
- Covers
- Amphitheaters seating 6,000+
- Hospitals
- Banned within 50 feet
- Enforced by
- Dept. of General Services
Summary
Smoking is banned on the grounds of all Metro-owned playgrounds and outdoor amphitheaters seating 6,000 or more, plus non-enclosed public areas where smoke can drift into a government building.
Smoking is prohibited inside all metropolitan government buildings and on the grounds of all outdoor amphitheaters with a seating capacity of at least six thousand owned or operated by the metropolitan government. Smoking is also prohibited in all non-enclosed areas of public spaces where smoke can infiltrate into a metropolitan government building. Further, smoking is prohibited on the grounds of all playgrounds owned by the metropolitan government.
(Ord. BL2020-301 § 1, 2020; Amdt. 1 to Ord. BL2016-205 § 1, 2016; Ord. BL2016-205 § 1, 2016; Ord. BL2008-331 § 2, 2008; Ord. 94-1119 § 2, 1995; Ord. 94-1035 § 2, 1994)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metropolitan Code of Laws § 10.18.020 bars smoking on the grounds of every playground owned by Metro Nashville and on the grounds of any outdoor amphitheater with a seating capacity of at least 6,000 that Metro owns or operates. The ban also covers non-enclosed public spaces where smoke could infiltrate a metropolitan government building. Separately, § 10.18.045 bans smoking on all hospital property and within 50 feet of a hospital entrance, with a 200-foot buffer around named Vanderbilt, Saint Thomas and Nashville General facilities. Violators face a fine of up to $50 under § 10.18.050.
Violations & Fines
A person caught smoking in a covered area is subject to a fine not exceeding $50 per Metropolitan Code of Laws § 10.18.050; each instance can be charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke in a Metro Nashville park?
Is smoking banned near hospitals in Nashville?
What's the penalty for violating the smoking ban?
Sources & Official References
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