Southaven, MS Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Section 10-205 of the Smoking Ban Ordinance (Title X, Chapter 3, adopted May 6, 2014) extends Southaven's indoor smoking ban to four outdoor settings. The first is the zone within a reasonable distance of fifteen feet immediately preceding the entrance to, and fifteen feet from the exit of, an area where smoking is prohibited. The second is attached areas of restaurants that are covered or partially covered with more than fifty percent of the perimeter of the outside area walled or otherwise closed to the outside. The third is the seating area of outdoor sports arenas, stadiums, amphitheaters and other venues. The fourth is municipal parks.

The definitions matter. A municipal park is any park, facility, field or stadium, indoor or outdoor, maintained by the city, including Snowden Grove, Cherry Valley, Greenbrook Softball Complex, Central Park and Saucier Park and any other park maintained or owned by the city. Smoking means inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah or other lighted tobacco product, and it includes the use of an e-cigarette that creates a vapor.

Signs carry the rule. Section 10-206 requires no-smoking signs conspicuously posted at the primary entrance by the proprietor, employer or other person in charge, with the international no smoking symbol and a size of no smaller than five inches by five inches. Removing or defacing a required sign is unlawful. Under § 10-207 a proprietor who observes or is told of a violation must advise the smoker of the chapter and ask that the cigarette, e-cigarette or tobacco product be put out, and no ashtrays can be provided where smoking is prohibited.

Enforcement runs through the chief of police or a designee, who can enter the premises and enforce by summons and complaint or affidavit (§ 10-208). The Southaven Fire Department or Planning Department checks compliance during otherwise mandated inspections. Section 10-204 lists the areas outside the chapter, including private residences other than those used for child care, adult day care or health care, and retail tobacco stores that prohibit minors.