Many states have passed statewide bans on smoking in enclosed public places, including restaurants and bars. Other states have enacted statewide smoking bans that include exceptions for certain businesses and workplaces—such as cigar bars, tobacco shops, and private clubs.

Some cities and towns have enacted ordinances (laws) that restrict smoking in restaurants and bars—and some cities and towns extend public smoking bans outdoors to sidewalks, apartment complexes, and other public spaces where nonsmokers may congregate, for example.

Violations of these smoking bans may be prosecuted as misdemeanor criminal offenses and include hundreds of dollars of potential fines.

In New Hampshire (NH), the state has implemented the Indoor Smoking Act, which prohibits smoking in most enclosed public places, including restaurants and bars, to protect the public from secondhand smoke. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as cigar bars, tobacco shops, and private clubs, where smoking may still be permitted if they meet certain criteria. Local municipalities in NH also have the authority to enact their own ordinances that can further restrict smoking in public areas, which may include outdoor spaces like sidewalks and apartment complexes. Violations of the state's smoking bans can result in misdemeanor charges and fines that may amount to hundreds of dollars. It's important for individuals and businesses to be aware of both state and local regulations regarding smoking to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.