Rhode Island Public Health and Safety Act

March 1, 2005 is an important date for smokers in Rhode Island. This is the date the Rhode Island Public Health and Safety Act went into effect. This act prohibits smoking in certain situations and locations, sets regulations for locations where smoking is permitted and provides for penalties should a violation occur.

According to the Rhode Island Public Health and Safety Act smoking is prohibited "in all public places within the state of Rhode Island" as well as any enclosed work area. These public places where smoking is prohibited can be defined as any enclosed location open to the public or serves the public. These public locations include but are not limited to schools, retail shops, eating establishments, sports arenas, theaters, auditoriums, lobbies, hallways, elevators, businesses open to the public, and any waiting room. Workplaces where smoking is prohibited are any enclosed work area including "common work areas, auditoriums, classrooms, conference and meeting rooms, private offices, elevators, hallways, medical facilities, cafeterias, employee lounges, stairs, restrooms and vehicles". These areas where smoking is prohibited must have "No Smoking" signs posted in every area where smoking is prohibited. There must also be a sign posted at each entrance to the facility and this sign must be at eye level and read "It Is Illegal to Smoke In This Establishment."