Workplace Smoking Rules in Massachusetts

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

In Massachusetts, the general rule requires that workplaces with one or more employees be smoke-free.

Employers covered: Employers with one or more employees.

Written policy requirements: Employer policy not specified.

Posting requirements: Signs indicating that smoking is prohibited must be conspicuously displayed at the entrance to each area where smoking is banned.

No smoking areas: Smoking is prohibited in:

• workplaces, work spaces and common work areas
• offices
• employee lounges
• conference and meeting rooms
• classrooms;
• cafeterias
• elevators and staircases
• restrooms
• restaurants, cafes, food courts, or concessions
• supermarkets and retail food outlets
• certain bars and taverns

Permitted smoking areas: Smoking is not prohibited in:

• private residences, except when used for home daycare or other similar purposes
• premises occupied by membership associations under certain lease agreements
• retail tobacco stores
• smoking bars
• a theatrical performance or film production
• the course of medical or scientific research on tobacco products
• religious ceremonies where smoking is part of the ritual
• quality testing of the tobacco product by tobacco farmers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, and wholesale dealers of tobacco