Complying With State Laws - No Smoking Signs

Issues of safety and complying with federal and local laws are the main reasons for public signs. Businesses that are located in malls, shared buildings or freestanding locations need to display the right kinds of signs as reminders to visitors of what they are and are not allowed to do.

No smoking signs are more important today than in the past due to nationwide laws regarding clean air in public areas. Secondhand smoke is nearly as detrimental to a person's health as the one smoking the cigarette. Children and other people who wish to not be exposed to tobacco have the right to that desire. No smoking signs fit into the category of fire signs. In some cases, smoking may not be allowed due to flammable hazards nearby.

The sign would then serve as a warning to potential smokers. In this situation, an addendum may be wise to have placed at the bottom of the sign. Unfortunately, in this rebellious world, many people ignore no smoking signs and light up anyway. By including an addition on the sign that indicates the presence of flammable material, the likelihood that people will not ignore the sign increases.

In most other cases, however, no smoking signs are present due to state laws regarding clean air in public places. Of course, people can smoke on their own property and in their own cars if they want, but keeping indoor air of public areas is very important today. Many restaurants around the country do not even have smoking and non-smoking sections anymore. Business owners and proprietors must ask visitors to their stores to comply with the local and federal laws by requiring that no one smoke within a designated number of feet from the entrance to the store, usually 25 feet.

There is not a specific standardized sign for no smoking, but there is a recognized symbol. The pictogram of a lit cigarette with a classic, red "do not" symbol over it is the icon generally present on no smoking signs. Some are basic, with only the symbol and the words "no smoking," while others take the space to explain why smoking is prohibited in that given area. To provide the best comprehension to the greatest number of people, bilingual signs are available stating the rule in both English and Spanish. Displaying signs is important to let people know what they are and are not allowed to do.