The Alaska Smoke Free Act regulates smoking in certain places. Effective October 1, 2018, smoking and vaping is not allowed in enclosed public places and places of employment. “Place of employment” means work areas, private offices, hotel and motel rooms, employee lounges, restrooms, conference rooms, classrooms, cafeterias, hallways, vehicles, and other employee work areas that are under the control of an employer.
An individual may not smoke outdoors:
- within 10 feet of playground equipment located at a public or private school or a state or municipal park while children are present;
- in a seating area for an outdoor arena, stadium, or amphitheater;
- at a place of employment or health care facility that has declared the entire campus or outside grounds or property to be smoke-free;
- within 10 feet of an entrance to a bar or restaurant that serves alcoholic beverages;
- within 20 feet of an entrance, open window, or heating or ventilation system air intake vent at an enclosed area at a place where smoking is prohibited under this section; or
- a reasonable distance, as determined by the owner or operator, of an entrance, open window, or heating or ventilation system air intake vent of a vessel, or a long term care facility.
Smoking and vaping devices include e-cigarettes, vape pens/personal vaporizers and e-hookah, whether or not the device contains nicotine. Individuals who choose not to comply with the Alaska Smoke Free Act are subject to a $50 fine.
Posting Requirements
A person in charge of a building at which smoking is prohibited within a specific distance from the entrance of the building must conspicuously display a sign that reads “Smoking within ___ Feet if Entrance Prohibited by Law–Fine $50” visible from the outside of each entrance to the building (AS § 18.35.306(b)).