Preventative Services
Smoke-free Policies
The Health Department supports efforts to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke via smoke-free policies at businesses, schools and other organizations.
Tobacco Use in Northern Kentucky
On October 12, 2020, Interact for Health released Tobacco Use in Northern Kentucky, a report based on results of the Greater Cincinnati Adult Tobacco Survey. Launched in 2018, the survey is the most comprehensive source of local data for understanding adult tobacco use behaviors, attitudes and public opinion in the region. This report provides data that the Northern Kentucky community can use to work together to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Download the PDF HERE.
100% Tobacco-Free Schools
In 2019, the Kentucky Legislature passed KRS 438.305 which prohibits the use of any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product on Kentucky school property. The law provides three years for school boards to opt-out or adopt the 100% tobacco-free policy. The policy should include all persons and all times on or in all property and at away events. It also includes any vehicle, that is owned, operated, leased, or contracted for use by the Board and while attending or participating in any school-related trip or student activity.
Support for Smoke-Free Policy
The Health Department provides support to Northern Kentucky organizations such as schools, municipalities, and businesses that wish to implement tobacco-free policies. For more information, email nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or call 859-341-4264.
Smoking Cessation
Information on local programs to help you quit smoking.
Additional Resources
Corinth, Ky., Law (Grant County)
Corinth, Ky., Law (Grant County)
On September 11, 2023, the Corinth City Commission passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes, in public buildings. This includes restaurants, bars, retail establishments, and in places of employment. Private clubs, residences, and outdoor smoking are excluded from the prohibition.
Beginning on November 10, 2023, smoking is prohibited indoors at all places of employment including, but not limited to, offices and work areas; restrooms; conference and classrooms; break rooms and cafeterias; and other common areas. In addition, smoking is prohibited within a reasonable distance of all entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of these places of employment.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
Corinth, Ky., Business Toolkit
This business toolkit was created to inform Corinth businesses of the new requirements associated with the law and to provide assistance in compliance. Beginning on November 10, 2023, smoking is prohibited indoors at all places of employment.
The information in the toolkit includes:
- Frequently Asked Questions about the new ordinance
- Business checklist to help you prepare for the new law
- Reminder cards for patrons or visitors
- Paystub inserts notifying employees of the new law
- Full copy of the ordinance
- Window clings announcing smoking is prohibited in the establishment
The required steps for compliance are not difficult, and active participation helps avoid potential violations. Thank you for your voluntary compliance with the law and for providing a safer, smoke-free environment for your employees and patrons in the City of Corinth.
Full Copy of the Ordinance
City of Corinth, Kentucky, Ordinance No. 02-2023: And ordinance enacting the “smoke-free air ordinance” that prohibits smoking in certain places open to the public, places of employment, and certain public places in the City of Corinth, Kentucky.
Download a PDF of the full ordinance HERE.
Corinth, Ky., Smoking Ordinance: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the City of Corinth Smoke-Free Air Ordinance?
It is an ordinance passed by the Corinth City Commission that prohibits smoking, including electronic cigarettes in enclosed public spaces, such as bars and restaurants, and enclosed areas of employment, such as common work areas, meeting rooms, offices, employee lounges, restrooms, and hallways. The ordinance also prohibits smoking in buildings and vehicles owned by the City of Corinth.
Why did the City of Corinth consider adopting this ordinance?
The Fitness For Life Around Grant County Coalition in partnership with Grant County Champions, Grant County Chamber of Commerce and some Corinth residents supported the Corinth City Commission to adopt this ordinance to protect children, employees, and nonsmokers. Ninety-seven percent of Grant County residents surveyed think it is important for the public to breathe smoke-free air inside public places. The U.S. Surgeon has concluded that there no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke and this exposure can cause serious diseases and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke and that a significant amount of secondhand smoke exposure occurs in the workplace.
Does the ordinance prohibit smoking in a private residence or car?
No. The ordinance does not prohibit smoking in private residences or yards or in private vehicles.
Does the ordinance prohibit smoking outdoors?
No. Smoking is permitted outside of enclosed public spaces and places of employment. However, an owner of an outdoor property may prohibit smoking in that area. However, smoking is prohibited 10 feet from entrances, operable windows, and ventilation systems of an enclosed area to any public building. If a place of employment is outdoors, a person may smoke but must stay at least 10 feet away from nonsmokers when he or she is smoking.
What businesses must prohibit indoor smoking?
All public buildings and workplaces in the City of Corinth must now prohibit smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes. The new law prohibits smoking in any building or place of employment where the public is invited or permitted, such as offices, hotels, factories, churches, bars, restaurants, bingo halls, and stores. The new law does not apply to private homes unless they are used as a licensed childcare, adult daycare, or healthcare facility.
Do businesses have to post “No Smoking” signs?
Yes. All businesses covered by the ordinance are required to post “No Smoking” signs. The City and the Northern Kentucky Health Department are providing these signs to businesses at no cost to the businesses. In addition, businesses can download and print the signs themselves by visiting the Health Department website at www.nkyhealth.org. Signs meeting the requirement of the ordinance must say “No Smoking” in letters one-inch high or show the international no smoking symbol, which is three inches high.
Are businesses required to remove ashtrays from inside buildings?
All businesses covered by the law need to remove all ashtrays from any area where smoking is prohibited.
Does the ordinance prohibit smoking in private clubs?
Yes, smoking is prohibited in private clubs.
When does the ordinance take effect?
On November 10, 2023, 60 days after it was passed by City Commission.
What are the penalties for violating the ordinance?
A person who smokes in a prohibited area may be fined up to $50. A person who owns, operates, or manages a public place or place of employment may receive a warning for not complying with the ordinance. A person who knowingly fails to comply with the ordinance may receive a fine not to exceed $100 for a second violation in one year and a fine not exceeding $250 for each additional violation during that year.
Who will enforce the ordinance?
Corinth Code Enforcement officers will enforce the ordinance. Through an interlocal agreement with the City, the Northern Kentucky Independent Health Department can also enforce the ordinance while acting in the course of its duties in the City, such as inspecting restaurants for compliance with public health-safety laws.
What should I do if a customer, vendor or visitor is smoking in my establishment?
You or your staff should politely remind the person about the law and explain that he or she must step outside to smoke. Train your staff about what to say to customers, for example, “The law no longer allows smoking inside here. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to step outside to smoke,” “The city’s new smoke-free law prohibits smoking indoors. Thank you for your cooperation.” If customers refuse to comply, use common sense. If necessary, use your normal protocol for removing a disruptive customer from your premises. You may contact local law enforcement to report the customer.
Did the ordinance language change from the first reading to the second reading of the ordinance by city Commission?
Yes. The language in the ordinance changed from the first reading on August 14 to the second reading on September 11. Before it was presented to City Commission for the second reading, City staff made changes to the draft version of the ordinance to incorporate changes requested by City Commission members, changing the reasonable distance from 25 feet to 10 feet. All changes were included in the ordinance that was read and approved by City Commission at the second reading.
What if I have questions regarding my building or business?
Specific questions can be addressed to the Northern Kentucky Health Department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Questions can also be submitted via the web at www.nkyhealth.org.
What resources are available for those who want to quit smoking?
For resources to quit smoking, contact the Northern Kentucky Health Department at 859-341-4264 or visit nkyhealth.org for a complete list.
Download the PDF HERE.
Reminder Cards for Patrons or Visitors
Download the PDF HERE.
Paystub Inserts
No Smoking Signage
Download the PDF HERE.
Download the PDF HERE.
Additional Information
City of Corinth Website: corinth.ky.gov
100% Tobacco-Free Schools
In 2019, the Kentucky Legislature passed KRS 438.305 which prohibits the use of any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product on Kentucky school property. The law provides three years for school boards to opt-out or adopt the 100% tobacco-free policy. The policy should include all persons and all times on or in all property and at away events. It also includes any vehicle, that is owned, operated, leased, or contracted for use by the Board and while attending or participating in any school-related trip or student activity.
Support for Smoke-Free Policy
The Health Department provides support to Northern Kentucky organizations such as schools, municipalities, and businesses that wish to implement tobacco-free policies. For more information, email nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or call 859-341-4264.
Smoking Cessation
Information on local programs to help you quit smoking.
Additional Resources
Corinth: File a complaint
Click HERE
Highland Heights, Ky., Law (Campbell County)
Highland Heights, Ky., Law (Campbell County)
On June 20, 2023, the Highland Heights City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes, in public buildings. This includes restaurants, bars, retail establishments, and in places of employment. Private clubs, residences, and outdoor smoking are excluded from the prohibition.
Beginning on September 18, 2023, smoking is prohibited indoors at all places of employment including, but not limited to, offices and work areas; restrooms; conference and classrooms; break rooms and cafeterias; and other common areas. In addition, smoking is prohibited within a reasonable distance of all entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of these places of employment.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
Highland Heights, Ky., Business Toolkit
This business toolkit was created to inform Highland Heights businesses of the new requirements associated with the law and to provide assistance in compliance. Beginning on September 18, 2023, smoking is prohibited indoors at all places of employment.
The information in the toolkit includes:
- Frequently Asked Questions about the new ordinance
- Business checklist to help you prepare for the new law
- Reminder cards for patrons or visitors
- Paystub inserts notifying employees of the new law
- Full copy of the ordinance
- Window clings announcing smoking is prohibited in the establishment
The required steps for compliance are not difficult, and active participation helps avoid potential violations. Thank you for your voluntary compliance with the law and for providing a safer, smoke-free environment for your employees and patrons in the City of Highland Heights.
Full Copy of the Ordinance
City of Highland Heights, Kentucky, Ordinance No. 08-2023: And ordinance enacting the “smoke-free air ordinance” that prohibits smiking in certain places open to the public, places of employment, and certain public places in the City of Highland Heights, Kentucky.
Download a PDF of the full ordinance HERE.
Highland Heights, Ky., Smoking Ordinance: Frequently Asked Questions
Download the PDF HERE.
Reminder Cards for Patrons or Visitors
Download the PDF HERE.
Paystub Inserts
No Smoking Signage
Download the PDF HERE.
Download the PDF HERE.
Additional Information
City of Highland Heights Website: hhky.com/code_of_ordinances
100% Tobacco-Free Schools
In 2019, the Kentucky Legislature passed KRS 438.305 which prohibits the use of any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product on Kentucky school property. The law provides three years for school boards to opt-out or adopt the 100% tobacco-free policy. The policy should include all persons and all times on or in all property and at away events. It also includes any vehicle, that is owned, operated, leased, or contracted for use by the Board and while attending or participating in any school-related trip or student activity.
Support for Smoke-Free Policy
The Health Department provides support to Northern Kentucky organizations such as schools, municipalities, and businesses that wish to implement tobacco-free policies. For more information, email nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or call 859-341-4264.
Smoking Cessation
Information on local programs to help you quit smoking.
Additional Resources
Highland Heights: File a complaint
Click HERE
Bellevue, Ky., Law (Campbell County)
Bellevue, Ky., Law (Campbell County)
On February 8, 2023, the Bellevue City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes, in public buildings. This includes restaurants, bars, retail establishments, and in places of employment. Private clubs, residences and outdoor smoking are excluded from the prohibition.
Beginning on May 15, 2023, smoking will be prohibited indoors at all places of employment including, but not limited to, offices and work areas; restrooms; conference and classrooms; break rooms and cafeterias; and other common areas. In addition, smoking is prohibited within a reasonable distance of all entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of these places of employment.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
Bellevue, Ky., Business Toolkit
This business toolkit was created to inform Bellevue’s businesses of the new requirements associated with the law and to provide assistance in compliance. Beginning on May 15, 2023, smoking will be prohibited indoors at all places of employment.
The information in the toolkit includes:
- Frequently Asked Questions about the new ordinance
- Business checklist to help you prepare for the new law
- Reminder cards for patrons or visitors
- Paystub inserts notifying employees of the new law
- Full copy of the ordinance
- Window clings announcing smoking is prohibited in the establishment
The required steps for compliance are not difficult, and active participation will help avoid potential violations. Thank you for your voluntary compliance with the law and for providing a safer, smoke-free environment for your employees and patrons in the City of Bellevue.
Full Copy of the Ordinance
Bellevue, Kentucky Ordinance no 23-01-01: City of Bellevue, Kentucky Ordinance no. 23-01-01 an ordinance enacting the “smoke-free air ordinance” that prohibits smoking in places open to the public, places of employment and certain public places in the city of Bellevue, Kentucky.
Download a PDF of the full ordinance HERE.
Bellevue, Ky., Smoking Ordinance: Frequently Asked Questions
Download the PDF HERE.
Reminder Cards for Patrons or Visitors
Download the PDF HERE.
Paystub Inserts
Download the PDF HERE.
No Smoking Signage
Download the PDF HERE.
Download the PDF HERE.
Additional Information
City of Bellevue Website: https://bellevueky.org/ordinances/
100% Tobacco-Free Schools
In 2019, the Kentucky Legislature passed KRS 438.305 which prohibits the use of any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product on Kentucky school property. The law provides three years for school boards to opt-out or adopt the 100% tobacco-free policy. The policy should include all persons and all times on or in all property and at away events. It also includes any vehicle, that is owned, operated, leased, or contracted for use by the Board and while attending or participating in any school-related trip or student activity.
Support for Smoke-Free Policy
The Health Department provides support to Northern Kentucky organizations such as schools, municipalities, and businesses that wish to implement tobacco-free policies. For more information, email nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or call 859-341-4264.
Smoking Cessation
Information on local programs to help you quit smoking.
Additional Resources
Bellevue: File a complaint
Click HERE
Dayton, Ky., Law (Campbell County)
Dayton, Ky., Law (Campbell County)
On September 6, 2022, the Dayton City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes, in public buildings. This includes restaurants, bars, retail establishments, and in places of employment. Private clubs, residences and outdoor smoking are excluded from the prohibition.
Beginning on November 6, 2022, smoking will be prohibited indoors at all places of employment including, but not limited to, offices and work areas; restrooms; conference and classrooms; break rooms and cafeterias; and other common areas. In addition, smoking is prohibited within a reasonable distance of all entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of these places of employment.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
Dayton, Ky., Business Toolkit
This business toolkit was created to inform Dayton’s businesses of the new requirements associated with the law and to provide assistance in compliance. Beginning on November 6, 2022, smoking will be prohibited indoors at all places of employment.
The information in the toolkit includes:
- Frequently Asked Questions about the new ordinance
- Business checklist to help you prepare for the new law
- Reminder cards for patrons or visitors
- Full copy of the ordinance
- Window clings announcing smoking is prohibilited in the establishment
The required steps for compliance are not difficult, and active participation will help avoid potential violations. Thank you for your voluntary compliance with the law and for providing a safer, smoke-free environment for your employees and patrons in the City of Dayton.
Dayton, Ky., Smoking Ordinance: Frequently Asked Questions
Download the PDF HERE.
Business Checklist
Download the PDF HERE.
Reminder Cards for Patrons or Visitors
Download the PDF HERE.
Full Copy of the Ordinance
Dayton, Kentucky Ordinance 2022-#21: An Ordinance creating a new Chapter 117 of the Dayton Code of Ordinances, under title XI, Business Regulations, Titled “City of Dayton Smoke-Free Air Ordinance,” to prohibit smoking in places of employment and public places in the City of Dayton, Kentucky.
Download a PDF of the full ordinance HERE.
No Smoking Signage
Download the PDF HERE.
Download the PDF HERE.
Additional Information
City of Dayton Website: https://daytonky.com/
100% Tobacco-Free Schools
In 2019, the Kentucky Legislature passed KRS 438.305 which prohibits the use of any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product on Kentucky school property. The law provides three years for school boards to opt-out or adopt the 100% tobacco-free policy. The policy should include all persons and all times on or in all property and at away events. It also includes any vehicle, that is owned, operated, leased, or contracted for use by the Board and while attending or participating in any school-related trip or student activity.
Support for Smoke-Free Policy
The Health Department provides support to Northern Kentucky organizations such as schools, municipalities, and businesses that wish to implement tobacco-free policies. For more information, email nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or call 859-341-4264.
Smoking Cessation
Information on local programs to help you quit smoking.
Additional Resources
Dayton: File a complaint
Click HERE
Kenton County Law
Kenton County Law
In Northern Kentucky, most Kenton County businesses and workplaces are smoke-free under an ordinance passed by the county’s fiscal court. It prohibits smoking in public buildings, establishments in public buildings and places of employment.
The law does allow for some private clubs and drinking establishments to file for an exemption, provided that they meet certain criteria. Drinking establishments and private clubs must file a claim of exemption in order to be exempt from the Kenton County Smoking Ordinance. If you operate a business in Kenton County and would like to apply for an exemption, please email nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or call 859-341-4151.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
Smoke-free restaurants
Unless they meet the requirements for exemption, Kenton County venues are smoke-free per the county ordinance.
Many establishments in Boone, Campbell and Grant Counties are also smoke-free.
If you have questions about smoke-free restaurants, contact nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org.
100% Tobacco-Free Schools
In 2019, the Kentucky Legislature passed KRS 438.305 which prohibits the use of any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product on Kentucky school property. The law provides three years for school boards to opt-out or adopt the 100% tobacco-free policy. The policy should include all persons and all times on or in all property and at away events. It also includes any vehicle, that is owned, operated, leased, or contracted for use by the Board and while attending or participating in any school-related trip or student activity.
Support for Smoke-Free Policy
The Health Department provides support to Northern Kentucky organizations such as schools, municipalities, and businesses that wish to implement tobacco-free policies. For more information, email nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or call 859-341-4264.
Smoking Cessation
Information on local programs to help you quit smoking.
Additional Resources
Kenton County: File a complaint
Click HERE
Williamstown, Ky., Law (Grant County)
Williamstown, Ky., Law (Grant County)
On Sept. 18, 2018, the Williamstown City Council passed ordinance number 2018-08 into law, prohibiting smoking in any public building, establishments in public buildings and places of employment.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2019 smoking is completely prohibited indoors in any Williamstown building or place of employment where the public is invited or permitted. In addition, smoking is further prohibited within a reasonable distance (25 feet) of all entrances, windows that operate and ventilation systems.
The only exceptions are for private clubs. Private clubs are not exempt when being used for a function to which the general public is invited. The new law does not apply to private homes unless used as a licensed childcare, adult day care or health care facility.
Compliance
- All businesses covered by the ordinance are required to post “No Smoking” signs. Signs meeting the requirement of the ordinance must say “No Smoking” in letters one-inch high or show the international no smoking symbol, which is three inches high. Call 859-341-4264 to request signage.
- All businesses covered by the law need to remove all ashtrays from any area where smoking is prohibited. Any permanent structure that functioned as an ashtray needs to be disabled or altered to prevent its use as an ashtray.
- The Health Department will enforce the law and investigate complaints as they are received. Although most smoke-free laws are self-enforcing, occasionally compliance with the law becomes an issue and may result in a citation.
- Any establishment, employer or employee in violation of this subchapter and persons who smoke can be cited for violating the law.
Filing a complaint
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint with the Health Department or call 859-341-4151.
100% Tobacco-Free Schools
In 2019, the Kentucky Legislature passed KRS 438.305 which prohibits the use of any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product on Kentucky school property. The law provides three years for school boards to opt-out or adopt the 100% tobacco-free policy. The policy should include all persons and all times on or in all property and at away events. It also includes any vehicle, that is owned, operated, leased, or contracted for use by the Board and while attending or participating in any school-related trip or student activity.
Support for Smoke-Free Policy
The Health Department provides support to Northern Kentucky organizations such as schools, municipalities, and businesses that wish to implement tobacco-free policies. For more information, email nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or call 859-341-4264.
Smoking Cessation
Information on local programs to help you quit smoking.
Additional Resources
Williamstown: File a complaint
Click HERE