Smoking & Vaping in Public Places

Limiting exposure to secondhand smoke protects everyone’s health. Washington State law prohibits smoking in indoor, public places and places of employment. Vaping is also prohibited in public places in Whatcom County.

  • It’s not safe to be exposed to any level of secondhand smoke. People who breathe in secondhand smoke take in nicotine and other toxic chemicals.
  • You may not smoke or use vapor products in public places or places of employment in Whatcom County.
  • You can report a violation of smoking and vaping regulations to the Whatcom County Health and Community Services by filling out our online form. You can also email [email protected] or call 360-778-6000 to file a violation.

The Law

Local and state laws prohibit the use of smoking and vapor products in public places and places of employment. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Cigarettes.
  • Cigars.
  • E-cigarettes.
  • Hookah.
  • Marijuana.
  • Pipes.
  • Shisha.
  • Vape pens.

Washington State’s Smoking in Public Places law bans smoking in all public places and places of employment. The law also prohibits smoking within 25 feet of entrances, exits, windows, and ventilation intakes that serve areas where smoking is prohibited.

Whatcom County Code (WCC 24.14) prohibits vaping in public places and places of employment and within 25 feet of public places and places of employment.

Compliance

We enforce state and local regulations. If you see people violating smoking and vaping laws, you can report the violation to the Whatcom County Health and Community Services by filling out our online form. You can also email [email protected] or call 360-778-6000 to file the violation report. We will follow up with the business or facility that we received a complaint about.

Businesses and other indoor public places must also post signs at each building entrance that state smoking and vaping are prohibited. Download signage here:

For More Information