​Tobacco-Free Policy

A powerful strategy to reduce tobacco use is to adopt tobacco-free environments, especially in public places. There is clear evidence (CDC, The Community Guide, Public Health Law Center, Americans for Non-Smokers Rights) that tobacco-free environments reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, keep youth from starting using tobacco, and help current tobacco users who are trying to quit. 

Did you know...?

1. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand or thirdhand smoke.
   
2. An electronic-cigarette is classified as a tobacco product.
   
3. Secondhand aerosol from vaping (electronic-cigarettes) is not "clean water vapor." 
   
4. 70% of tobacco users have tried to quit in the past year.
   
5. Tobacco-free policies are enforced through effective communication, signage, and quit support.
   

Mecklenburg County Policies

Here is a list of resources to communicate with stakeholders (county/municipal employees, public, etc.) about Smoke-Free Government Grounds or Tobacco-Free Parks regulations in Mecklenburg County.

One-Page Summary

Board of Health Rule for Smoke-Free Government Grounds

Tobacco-Free Parks Ordinance

Frequently Asked Questions

 

County-City-Town 
Government Property

 

Charlotte Area 
Transit System (CATS)

 

Mecklenburg County
Park and Recreation

Other Initiatives, Policies, and Laws

N.C. Smoke-Free Restaurants and Bars

N.C. Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing

Greater Charlotte Apartment Association (GCAA) Smoke-Free Certification 

N.C. Tobacco-Free Schools

Learn more about smoke-free and tobacco-free regulatory options for N.C. communities from N.C. Tobacco Prevention and Control.