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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Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced her bid for Georgia governor in May. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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