The Dallas City Council approved a comprehensive amendment to Chapter 41 of the Dallas City Code on December 11, 2024, making the city 100% smoke-free. The ordinance expands the definition of smoking to include electronic smoking devices and plant products, such as marijuana or cannabis, broadening protections against secondhand smoke exposure.
Under the revised ordinance, smoking is prohibited in all areas where it was already banned, including indoor enclosed spaces, within 15 feet of entrances to such spaces, and on park property. Businesses and entities must update their “No Smoking” signage to reflect the inclusion of electronic smoking devices. A one-year grace period for compliance has been granted, with the ordinance set to take full effect on December 11, 2025.
“I applaud the City of Dallas for taking this important step toward a healthier future for our residents,” said Dr. Philip Huang, Director of Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS). “The updated smoke-free ordinance is a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to protect public health. By expanding the definition of smoking to include electronic devices and plant products, we are creating a more equitable and protective environment for all.”
DCHHS commended the city’s action as part of its mission to optimize and protect the health and well-being of Dallas County residents. The department’s Chronic Disease Prevention Division has been a strong advocate for tobacco-free policies, emphasizing their role in reducing tobacco-related illnesses, preventing tobacco use initiation, and assisting individuals in quitting tobacco.
The city’s updated ordinance aligns with public health strategies to create healthier communities and minimize the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure for residents and visitors alike.
If your multiunit housing complex, education institution, church, faith-based organization, or workplace needs to implement a new, comprehensive indoor and outdoor tobacco-free campus policy or update an existing one, please contact DCHHS for technical assistance through the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy Implementation Technical Assistance Request Form or call 214- 819-5115.
