Smoking ban around the World

This chart shows Smoking ban or Smoke-free Legislation around the world.

Banning smoking in public places is a sound public health measure to protect the health of nonsmokers.

The issue of workplace bans is primarily one of labour legislation to protect the health of workers, who are exposed to passive smoking for long periods during their work shifts, whether this be in public or office buildings, restaurants or public transport.

Workplace smoking bans are effective in reducing exposure to passive smoking. Smokers who are employed in workplaces with smoking bans are likely to consume fewer cigarettes per day, are more likely to consider quitting, and quit at a greater rate, than smokers employed in workplaces with no or weaker policies.

A total ban works better than a partial ban. Most airlines are now smoke-free and the global trend is towards a safer, cleaner indoor environment in the home and in public and work places.

Note:

• Complete ban: Smoke-free legislation covering all types of places and institutions.
• Strong ban: Smoke-free legislation covering health-care and educational facilities,but with limited exceptions.
• Moderate ban: Smoke-free legislation covering health-care and educational facilities, as well as 3, 4, or 5 other places and institutions.
• Minimal ban: Smoke-free legislation covering health-care and educational facilities, as well as 1 or 2 other places and institutions.
• Comprehensive local legislation: Smoke-free legislation at a sub national level.
• No ban or dysfunctional ban: Complete absence of smoke-free legislation, or absence of smoke-free legislation covering either health-care or educational facilities.