Howard County, MD Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- 15-ft buffer
- From public entrances/exits, Sec. 12.603
- Historic district exempt
- Ellicott City Historic District
- Patio exception
- Unenclosed, ≤40% of indoor seating
- Smoker penalty
- Class C civil offense per day
- Owner penalty
- Class B civil offense per day
- Signage fine warning
- Up to $250 printed on required sign
Summary
Howard County bans smoking in public places, public meetings, government vehicles with more than one occupant, and workplaces, and extends that ban 15 feet beyond doorways under Code Section 12.603. Bars and restaurants can still allow smoking in an unenclosed patio that seats no more than 40 percent of their indoor capacity.
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a person shall not smoke:(a)In a public place;(b)At a public meeting;(c)In a shared government vehicle or in any government vehicle when occupied by more than one person; or(d)In a place of employment...Smoking is prohibited within a distance of 15 feet outside public entrances and exits of an enclosed public place or place of employment where smoking is prohibited, except this does not apply in the Ellicott City Historic District or to restaurants and bars with outdoor seating areas that comply with section 12.604...Smoking may be allowed in an outdoor seating area, provided that such area shall:(i)Adjoin an enclosed restaurant or bar; and(ii)Has seating that constitutes no more than 40 percent of the total enclosed seating capacity of the establishment; and(iii)Is not enclosed or partially enclosed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 91 | Zoning: Supplement 25).
Full Breakdown
The ban covers a long list of "public places," from bars, bowling alleys and pool halls to common areas of apartment buildings, retail stores, libraries, schools, restaurants, shopping malls and sports arenas, plus any outdoor seating or viewing area used to watch a performance or athletic event. Smoking, including vaping through an electronic smoking device, is also banned within 15 feet of the public entrances and exits of an enclosed public place or workplace, though that 15-foot buffer does not apply inside the Ellicott City Historic District or to restaurant and bar patios that meet the outdoor-seating exception.
An outdoor seating area can permit smoking only if it adjoins the restaurant or bar, is not enclosed or partially enclosed by a wall, tarp, or similar covering, seats no more than 40 percent of the establishment's indoor capacity, and is positioned so smoke does not drift into non-smoking indoor areas. Every regulated building must post a sign at each public entrance reading "Smoking, Carrying Lighted Tobacco Products, or Vaping Prohibited by Law. 00," along with the international no-smoking symbol. Owners, operators, and managers must pull ashtrays from banned areas and must refuse service to, and eventually eject, a patron who keeps smoking after a warning.
Anyone can file a complaint with the Howard County Police Department, and inspectors from the State Fire Marshal's Office, the Department of Fire and Rescue Services, the Health Department, or the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits can issue a citation directly during a routine inspection.
Violations & Fines
Smoking where prohibited is a Class C civil offense for the individual, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. An owner, operator, or manager who fails to post required signage, notify employees, or enforce the smoking ban is guilty of a Class B civil offense, also assessed per day, cited under Howard County Code Title 24, Civil Penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on a restaurant patio in Howard County?
How close to a building entrance can I smoke in Howard County?
What's the fine for smoking somewhere it's banned in Howard County?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Howard County
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