Current Law

Current law (pdf): CBJ Chapter 36.60 - Smoking in Public Places

Question and Answers:

Smoking in Enclosed Public Spaces in Juneau

1. Is there a new law in effect regarding smoking in Juneau?

No, not a completely new law; but on January 2, 2008, bars will no longer be exempt from the ordinances prohibiting smoking in enclosed public spaces. All other sections of the smoking ordinances will remain in place, as is.

2. Where is smoking prohibited?

In enclosed public places; enclosed places of employment (with 4 or more employees) that are not an enclosed public space; city vehicles; taxis; bus shelters. To read the full text of the law, click here.

3. Where is smoking not regulated?

Private residences (unless the residence is used as a child care, adult care, or health care facility); places of employment with a total of four or fewer employees that are not also an enclosed public place; private enclosed areas in nursing homes or assisted living facilities; retail tobacco stores; performers smoking as part of a stage performance; federal or state property or those portions of building leased by the federal or state government; and enclosed areas used for conferences or meetings in restaurants, service clubs, hotels, or motels while the spaces are in use for private functions admission to which is determined at least three days in advance.

4. Will I be able to smoke at a private conference or meeting inside an otherwise public restaurant, service club, or motel?

Yes, but only if the function is a private meeting whose admission is determined at least three days in advance. This exception in the law has evidently been misinterpreted by some as a blanket exemption for service clubs, which it is not. Instead, it is an exception for private conferences or meetings inside places that are otherwise required to be smoke-free.

5. Can a private club call a “meeting” every night and hence allow smoking at the club every night?

No. It would be hard to legitimately argue that a nightly meeting is really a meeting and not an attempt to circumvent the smoking laws.

6. Will separate rooms designated as smoking rooms, complete with separate ventilation and tight-fitting doors, be allowed in a bar or restaurant?

No. If an enclosed area is open to the public, it is subject to the ordinance. Unless it falls under one of the exemptions listed in the ordinance, no smoking may occur in the enclosed area.

7. What are the penalties for violating the smoking laws?

Non-compliance by business owners (failure to maintain smoke-free premises) will result in enforcement action including citations of $200 to $300. Individual violators (smoking where prohibited) face a $50 citation.

CBJ Ordinances Regarding Smoking in Public Places

In effect August 30, 2007	Ordinance 2007-44 - An Ordinance Prohibiting Smoking in Bus Shelters.
In effect May 23, 2007.	Ordinance 2007-20 - An Ordinance Extending the Smoking Ban to Include the Campus of Bartlett Regional Hospital, the Bartlett House, the Juneau Medical Center, and Wildflower Court, and to Prohibit the Use of Smokeless Tobacco Products on the Hospital Tobacco-free Campus.
Section 2 i n effect January 2, 2005. Section 3 in effect January 2, 2008.	Ordinance 2004-21- An Ordinance Extending the Smoking Ban to Bars and Bar Restaurants
Adopted October 1, 2001.	Ordinance 2001-40 - An Ordinance Amending the Health and Sanitation Code to Control Environmental Tobacco Smoke in Enclosed Public Places and in the Workplace, and Providing for a Penalty.

Additional Resources

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence offers assistance regarding establishing smokefree environments, including provision of signage, technical assistance and presentations.

Contact NCADD at:

211 4th Street, Suite 102
Juneau, Alaska 99801

Phone: 907-463-3755

Fax: 907-463-2539