Workplace Smoking Rules in Alaska

Employers in Alaska must comply with these state rules regulating smoking in the workplace.

Alaska generally prohibits indoor smoking, with certain exceptions.

Employers covered: Employers with one or more employees.

Written policy requirements: Employer policy not specified.

Posting requirements: Persons in charge of indoor places must conspicuously display a sign that reads "Smoking Prohibited by Law — Maximum Fine $50" and including the international symbol for no smoking. Signs required under the law can be received from the Department of Environmental Conservation, upon request.

No smoking areas: Alaska prohibits indoor smoking in, among other places:

• private schools
• preschool or day care facilities
• patients' or visitors' waiting rooms and restrooms in public and private laboratories and offices associated with dental care or the healing arts
• waiting rooms, restrooms, lobbies and hallways in public and private hospitals, nursing homes, rest homes or other health care institutions or facilities
• food service establishments with a seating capacity of at least 50 persons
• grocery stores and other stores maintained primarily for the retail sale of food products
• places of employment where the owner, manager, proprietor, or other person who has control of the premises posts a sign stating that smoking is prohibited by law

Permitted smoking areas: Persons in charge of indoor places in Alaska may designate smoking sections, but must make reasonable accommodations for the needs of both smokers and nonsmokers.