Rhode Island's Public Health and Workplace Safety Act bans smoking in all enclosed workplaces. Providence extends restrictions outdoors in city parks, playgrounds, beaches at Roger Williams Park, and bus shelters.
Providence enforces Rhode Island General Laws 23-20.10 prohibiting smoking inside bars, restaurants, offices, and shared housing common areas. The city adds outdoor bans at Roger Williams Park playgrounds, athletic fields, splash pads, and within fifteen feet of building entries. Vaping is treated identically to combustible tobacco. Property owners must post signage. Cannabis smoking in public is prohibited under RI's cannabis law even though private possession is legal. Enforcement falls to Parks Rangers and Providence Police.
Smoking inside enclosed workplaces, near playgrounds, or in posted park zones brings fines beginning around $250, with higher penalties for venue operators.
Providence, RI
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Providence, RI
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See how Providence's outdoor smoking restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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