Vestavia Hills, AL Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 11-105
- Buffer distance
- 20 feet from covered zones
- Smoker fine
- $50.00 per offense
- Owner first-violation fine
- $100.00
- Owner repeat fine
- Up to $500.00 within a year
- Enforcing agency
- County health officer, VH Police
Summary
Code § 11-105 bars smoking within 20 feet of entrances, windows and vents of smoke-free buildings, within 20 feet of restaurant and bar patios, in outdoor arenas and stadiums, near transit stops, and in any outdoor service line, citywide.
Smoking shall be prohibited in the following outdoor places: (1)Within a reasonable distance of 20 feet outside entrances, operable windows, and ventilation systems of enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited, so as to prevent tobacco smoke from entering those areas;(2)In, and within 20 feet of, outdoor seating or serving areas of restaurants and bars;(3)In all outdoor arenas, stadiums, and amphitheaters. Smoking shall also be prohibited in, and within 20 feet of, bleachers and grandstands for use by spectators at sporting and other public events;(4)In, and within 20 feet of, all outdoor public transportation stations, platforms, and shelters under the authority of the City of Vestavia Hills; and(5)In all outdoor service lines.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).
Full Breakdown
Section 11-105 extends the city's Article VII smoking ban outdoors into five specific zones: within a reasonable distance of 20 feet outside entrances, operable windows and ventilation systems of enclosed areas where smoking is already prohibited, so smoke cannot drift inside; in and within 20 feet of outdoor seating or serving areas of restaurants and bars; in all outdoor arenas, stadiums and amphitheaters, plus within 20 feet of bleachers and grandstands used by spectators; in and within 20 feet of outdoor public transportation stations, platforms and shelters under city authority; and in all outdoor service lines, defined at § 11-101 to include ATM lines, concert lines, food vendor lines, movie ticket lines and sporting event lines.
Section 11-106 carves out private residences unless used as a child care, adult day care or health care facility. Under § 11-107, any property owner may go further and declare an entire establishment or outdoor area nonsmoking by posting a conforming sign under § 11-108. Enforcement runs to the county health officer, city police officers, or their designees under § 11-110, and any resident may register a complaint with the Jefferson County Department of Health or the police department; an aggrieved person or the city may also seek injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Violations & Fines
Under § 11-111(a), a person who knowingly or intentionally smokes where prohibited by Article VII, including these outdoor zones, is fined $50.00 per offense, charged like a traffic violation. An owner, manager or operator who fails to enforce the ban faces $100.00 for a first violation, $200.00 for a second within a year, and $500.00 for each additional violation within a year, plus possible suspension or revocation of the premises' permit or license; each day of violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vestavia Hills
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Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.