Workplaces

Massachusetts' Smoke-free Workplace Law protects employees and the public from secondhand smoke by banning smoking in workplaces, including private offices, taxis, restaurants, and bars. The law went into effect in July 2004.

Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard that contains more than 4,000 chemicals. At least 50 of those chemicals are known to cause cancer. The Surgeon General has stated that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke.

The Smoke-free Workplace law has been very successful in Massachusetts. In fact, over 90% of workplaces in the Commonwealth—including restaurants and bars—were found to have no violations.

For regulations and guidance about the Smoke-free Workplace Law, visit www.mass.gov/dph/mtcp.

To report a complaint or concern about secondhand smoke exposure, call the Department of Public Health's toll-free, anonymous Smoke-free Workplace Law hotline at (800) 992-1895.

Learn more about the health effects of secondhand smoke at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website at www.cdc.gov/tobacco.