No Smoking & Vaping Laws

The majority of Snohomish County residents do not smoke, yet the secondhand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, e-cigarettes, and pipes contains the same dangerous chemicals as a person who smokes would inhale. Secondhand smoke from cigarettes contains more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and about 70 of which can cause cancer.

Ordinances in Snohomish

The Smoking in Public Places Law was passed in 2005, making Washington the 10th state in the country to implement a law that prohibits smoking in all public places and places of employment. The Snohomish County Health Department amended the state’s Smoking in Public Places law (Chapter 70.160 RCW) to include marijuana, hookah, and e-cigarettes and vapes.

New State Law

In March 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed a law increase the legal age of sale for tobacco and vapor products to 21. This means any product that contains tobacco (or nicotine) can only be sold to an individual who is 21 years or older.  The law will go into effect on January 1, 2020. You can review the law as passed by the legislature here: Tobacco 21

  1. Business Resources
  2. Prohibited Areas
  3. Reporting Violations
  4. Tobacco-Free Places

To help you become familiar with the laws, and your responsibilities, we have created the Snohomish County is a Clean Air Zone: What Business Owners and Operators Should Know (PDF), a brochure with tips and highlights.

Owners or lessees of all businesses and workplaces are required to post signs prohibiting smoking and vaping. Signage must be noticeable at all building entrances and in prominent locations throughout the building. Signs are available at the Snohomish County Health Department.

Report a Violation of the No Smoking or Vaping Laws

The Snohomish County Health Department is responsible for enforcing no smoking and vaping laws in Snohomish County, with the support of law enforcement and local jurisdictions. You can report violations anonymously by filling out the Smoking in Public Places complaint form