Lewiston Expands Downtown Smoking Ban

City Council approves new restrictions around medical centers and colleges

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Lewiston City Council voted 6-1 to expand the city's public tobacco-use ban to several additional downtown street segments, including areas around Central Maine Medical Center, Bates College, and St. Mary's Regional Medical Center. The new restrictions prohibit the use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and vaping devices, on these streets.

Why it matters

The expanded smoking ban aims to create smoke-free environments around major medical and educational institutions in Lewiston's downtown, promoting public health and reducing secondhand smoke exposure for patients, students, and workers in these areas.

The details

The new ordinance bans tobacco use on both sides of Campus Avenue from Sabattus Street to Central Avenue, Lisbon Street from Adams Avenue to Main Street, the west side of Main Street from Hammond Street to High Street, both sides of High Street from Main Street to Hammond Street, both sides of Hammond Street from High Street to Main Street, the northeast side of Park Street from Main Street to Oak Street, the southwest side of Middle Street from Main Street to Oak Street, and the north side of Oak Street from Park Street to Middle Street.

  • The Lewiston City Council approved the expanded smoking ban on February 3, 2026.
  • The new restrictions will go into effect immediately.

The players

Lewiston City Council

The governing body of the city of Lewiston, Maine that voted to expand the public tobacco-use ban.

Bret Martel

The Ward 7 Councilor who cast the lone dissenting vote against the expanded smoking ban.

Josh Nagine

The Ward 1 Councilor who proposed extending the Park Street restriction to both sides of the street, but was denied due to lack of public notice.

Carl Sheline

The Mayor of Lewiston who considered Nagine's request a substantial change and denied it based on procedural guidance from the City Clerk.

Kathy Montejo

The Lewiston City Clerk who advised that Nagine's proposed amendment could not be considered since it was not included in the public hearing notice.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The expanded smoking ban in Lewiston's downtown aims to create healthier environments around major medical and educational institutions, but the process also highlights the importance of public notice and input when making significant changes to local ordinances.