Clean Indoor Air

Maryland's Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007

Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007 was signed into law on May 17, 2007. The purpose of the Act is to preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of the people of Maryland by limiting exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The Act prohibits smoking in indoor areas open to the public except in limited circumstances. The Act specifically prohibits smoking in public meeting places, public transportation vehicles, and indoor places of employment. Regulatory authority for the Act is vested with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (for public areas) and the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (for workplace areas not ordinarily open to the public). The Act permits the granting of a waiver from compliance with applicable provisions of the Act; however, waivers may not be granted on or after January 31, 2011 and all waivers terminate on January 31, 2011.

The Maryland Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007 prohibits smoking in virtually all indoor workplaces in order to “preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of the people of Maryland by limiting exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.” law provides for fair and consistent statewide protection from exposure to secondhand smoke in indoor settings. People in Maryland will now have clean, smoke-free air while working, dining, shopping, or relaxing throughout the state.