Laws and policies are continuously being changed to address new health threats posed by tobacco and vaping. Each level of jurisdiction has its own laws and policies—from local to state to federal. Spokane Regional Health District works with many local and state partners to keep local public health concerns at the forefront of regulations and to educate retailers and business owners about laws that pertain to them.
Spokane Regional Health District enforces local laws pertaining to where
people can smoke and use vaping devices.
Since 2005 RCW 70.160 has been protecting employees, visitors, patrons and
others from second hand smoke by prohibiting smoking in all public places and
places of employment. Owners and persons in charge are responsible for
ensuring no employees, clients or patrons are smoking indoors or within
25 feet of any door, exit, window that opens or ventilation intake. Owners must
also post “No Smoking Signs” on all entrances to the business.
Information for businesses:
On April 28, 2016 the Spokane Regional Health District’s Board of Health
passed a Resolution to enforce the use of vaping devices in the same way it
enforces smoking. This resolution applies to public places and places of
employment within Spokane County. The Smoking in Public Places Law (RCW 70.160)
and the Resolution requires that in public places and in places of employment
businesses do the following:
Spokane Regional Health District is responsible for the enforcement of the law. The health district enforces SIPP by conducting random inspections and by responding to complaints from the public. When a violation is witnessed, business owners may receive warnings, civil fines, and re-inspection fees for each return visit. To report a violation, please call 509.232.1707
Washington State Liquor Cannabis Board is the lead regulatory agency regarding statewide tobacco and vaping sales. To learn more about the laws in Washington state please visit its website.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has federal oversight for laws, policies, and regulations of the vaping industry nationally. To learn more about federal laws and regulations please visit its website.
For landlords and owners, the business benefits of going smoke-free can translate into thousands of dollars.