Outdoor smoke-free policies include private sector rules and public sector regulations that prohibit smoking outside or restrict it to designated areas. Private sector policies generally ban smoking on worksite property, while state and local ordinances often establish smoke-free standards for specified outdoor public areas such as parks and beaches.

There is some evidence that outdoor smoke-free policies reduce smoking in designated areas, especially when implemented as part of comprehensive smoke-free efforts that ban both indoor and outdoor smoking. Banning smoking in public places, including parks, is a recommended strategy to prevent tobacco use among youth (US DHHS SG Tobacco 2012).

• LiveWell Stark County

To increase the number of tobacco free outdoor areas in the community, CCPH plans to partner with LiveWell Stark County and designate a staff member who will regularly attend its meetings. As a member of this community commitee, CCPH will work with the community to add at least three tobacco free outdoor areas by 2020.