Description
Smoking Permitted Workplace Sign – General
Clearly identify designated smoking areas with the Smoking Permitted Workplace Sign. This highly visible 8.5 x 11-inch laminated sign provides employees, customers, contractors, and visitors with a clear visual notice that smoking is permitted in the posted area when allowed by applicable law and workplace policy.
A Smoking Permitted sign can help businesses distinguish designated smoking areas from smoke-free areas and clearly communicate where smoking is allowed on the property.
What Does a Smoking Permitted Sign Mean?
A Smoking Permitted sign identifies an area where smoking is allowed under the organization's policy and applicable state or local law.
The sign can help employees and visitors distinguish a designated smoking area from locations where smoking is prohibited.
Where Can a Smoking Permitted Sign Be Displayed?
When smoking is legally permitted, a Smoking Permitted sign may be appropriate in locations such as:
- Designated outdoor smoking areas
- Employee smoking areas
- Smoking-permitted patios or outdoor spaces
- Designated areas at hotels or hospitality properties
- Lawfully permitted smoking rooms or areas
- Other designated locations where smoking is allowed under applicable law
Can a Business Designate a Smoking Area?
Whether a business can establish a designated smoking area depends on applicable state and local law. Many jurisdictions restrict or prohibit smoking in indoor workplaces, restaurants, public places, and other locations, while others may allow smoking only in specific exempt or designated areas.
Businesses should determine whether smoking is legally permitted in a particular location before posting a Smoking Permitted sign.
Do Smoking Permitted Sign Requirements Vary by State?
Yes. Smoking laws and signage requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions specifically regulate the wording, size, placement, visibility, or symbols used to identify smoking-permitted areas.
For example, certain jurisdictions require areas where smoking is legally permitted to be identified with the words "Smoking Permitted", an international smoking symbol, or other prescribed language.
Does This General Smoking Permitted Sign Satisfy Every State's Requirements?
No. This Smoking Permitted Workplace Sign is a general workplace and property notice. It should not be represented as satisfying every state or local statutory signage requirement.
Employers and property owners should review applicable state and local smoking laws before relying on a general sign for regulatory compliance. When a jurisdiction requires specific wording, dimensions, symbols, placement, or other information, the appropriate state or local notice should be used.
Smoking Permitted vs. No Smoking Areas
Businesses that maintain designated smoking areas should clearly distinguish those locations from areas where smoking is prohibited. Consistent signage can help employees and visitors understand the boundaries of the organization's smoking policy.
A Smoking Permitted sign can be paired with appropriate No Smoking signage to clearly identify smoking and nonsmoking areas throughout a property.
What About Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping?
Employers and property owners should determine whether their smoking policy also applies to electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and other inhaled products. State and local laws may regulate smoking and vaping differently or may include both activities within the same restrictions.
A general Smoking Permitted sign should not automatically be interpreted as authorizing vaping or other products unless the organization's policy and applicable law allow those activities in the designated area.
Smoking Areas Near Entrances and Buildings
State and local laws may restrict smoking within specified distances of entrances, windows, ventilation systems, or other areas. Businesses should consider these requirements when selecting the location of a designated smoking area.
A Smoking Permitted sign does not override restrictions on where smoking may legally occur.
Combine Signage With a Clear Workplace Smoking Policy
Smoking-area signage works best when it supports a clearly communicated workplace policy. Employers should consider explaining where smoking is permitted, where it is prohibited, whether electronic cigarettes or vaping are covered, and any other rules employees are expected to follow.
Businesses should periodically review smoking policies and designated smoking areas to ensure they remain consistent with current state and local requirements.
Smoking Permitted Workplace Sign Specifications
- 8.5"W x 11"H
- Portrait orientation
- Printed in full color
- Laminated with high-quality laminate
- General workplace and property policy notice
Workplace Policy and Compliance Resources
Labor Law Compliance Center provides employers with labor law posters, workplace policy posters, workplace safety posters, specialty postings, and compliance resources for businesses throughout the United States. Browse our Workplace Policy Posters for additional employee policy and workplace awareness materials.
