Are No Smoking Signs Required in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts enacted the smoke-free workplace law in 2004 to protect employees and the public from secondhand smoke. According to the law, a no smoking sign must be posted in all workplaces.

Massachusetts Workplaces

• A workplace is defined as any location having one or more employees. The smoke-free workplace law applies to restaurants, bars, schools, private offices, taxis and government buildings. Designated smoking areas are prohibited under the law.

Free No Smoking Signs

• You can get no smoking signs free of charge from the state's Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program. Decals and signs can be ordered online from the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse. Slogans include, "this is a smoke-free building," "smoking is prohibited in restrooms," "welcome to a tobacco-free school," and "it is illegal to smoke in this establishment."

Enforcement

• Smokers who violate the Massachusetts law may be fined $100. Employers or business owners who permit smoking may receive fines ranging from $100 to $300. In general, the law is enforced by local boards of health and the state Department of Public Health, but business proprietors may call the police when patrons refuse to stop smoking.