San Francisco Health Code, Article 19F Prohibiting Smoking in Enclosed Spaces
United States Surgeon General’s Report on Health Consequences of Involuntary Smoking
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The goal of the Environmental Tobacco Smoke Prevention Program is to protect residents from harmful exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and secondhand exposure to other tobacco derived products. Long term exposure to secondhand smoke may increase the risk of respiratory problems in children and may contribute to lung cancer and coronary heart disease in nonsmoking adults.
For information about the retail tobacco permitting program or the amendments to Article 19H limiting tobacco retail density and location that went into effect on January 18, 2015, please visit the Retail Tobacco Permits web page.
City law prohibits smoking of tobacco and e-cigarettes in all workplaces and many public areas. The Environmental Tobacco Smoke Prevention Program focuses its enforcement efforts on preventing smoking and use of e-cigarettes in several locations with the highest risks for workers and residents
The program also works with landlords and property owners in developing plans to limit smoke exposure indoors. Complaints about smoking in parks, on sidewalks outside building entrances and other public area should go directly to the property or buisiness owner or manager.
DPH Enforcement of Smoking in Workplaces and Residences Diagram (pdf)
Smoking Prohibition Enforcement Alert for Restaurants, Bars, Night Clubs, Lounges, & Hookah
Smoke Free Ordinance General Requirements FAQ
Smoke Free Ordinance & Multiple-Unit Housing Complexes FAQ
Smoke Free Food Establishments FAQ
If you witness smoking inside a business or in a common area of a hotel or apartment, you may report a complaint to the Environmental Health Branch by calling 311.
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San Francisco Department of Public Health Environmental Health Branch
Please also refer to the guide to the many different agencies that handle complaints about odors and fumes.