All workplaces, restaurants, bars and public places in Rhode Island are 100% smokefree as of March 1, 2005. As of October 1, 2006, local control is restored to all local communities in Rhode Island. Read Rhode Island's 100% smokefree law.

Initially, bars did not have to adhere to the smokefree provisions until October 1, 2006. However, the Rhode Island Superior Court ruled on March 31, 2005 that the exemption for Class C and D liquor license facilities was unconstitutional and that these bars must become smokefree immediately, rather than on October 1, 2006 as provided in statute.

To learn more about the law, visit the Rhode Island Tobacco Control Program.
To report a violation, fill out this form.

Separately ventilated smoking gaming areas are permitted in pari mutual (off track betting) facilities and these facilities must allow employees to refuse to work in smoking areas of the facility without adverse impact from requesting to do so.

Read more about current tobacco-related legislation in Rhode Island.

Current tobacco-related statistics are available from the Centers for Disease Control's Tobacco Control State Highlights, 2007.

Rhode Island's 2010 Legislative Session: January 4 - June 30, 2010 (est.)