The city of Atlanta’s ban on smoking and vaping in most public places went into effect on Thursday.

In July, the Atlanta City Council approved legislation prohibiting smoking and vaping indoors, including bars and restaurants, with a 13-2 vote.

Cigar bars and hookah lounges are exempt from the ban.

“Everyone in Atlanta has the right to breathe smoke-free air,” said City Councilman Matt Westmoreland, who introduced the legislation. “I am grateful for the strong collaboration between the business community and healthcare advocates as we developed this legislation.”

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(From left) State Election Board member Rick Jeffares, executive director James Mills, vice chair Janice Johnston and member Janelle King listen during an election board meeting at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The board voted down a proposal to eliminate Georgia’s touchscreen voting system and switch to hand-marked paper ballots. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

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Democrat Eric Gisler celebrated his Tuesday election victory at the Trappeze Pub in Athens, Ga. (AP)

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