Vermont Bans Smoking in Bars in 2004

Burlington City Council outlaws smoking in all workplaces, including bars.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 8:47am

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On February 2, 2004, the Burlington City Council in Vermont passed a law banning smoking in all workplaces, including bars. This made Vermont the 9th state to enact a statewide ban on smoking in bars, which took effect in September 2005.

Why it matters

The ban on smoking in bars was an important public health measure to protect workers from secondhand smoke exposure. It also reflected a growing trend across the United States to limit smoking in public places and workplaces.

The details

The Burlington City Council passed the law after a debate where musician Tyrone Shaw argued that "it's time for musicians and bartenders and waitresses to have dignified and safe working conditions." Prior to this, limits on indoor smoking had started to be put in place in the 1980s.

  • The Burlington City Council passed the law banning smoking in all workplaces, including bars, on February 2, 2004.
  • A statewide ban on smoking in bars took effect in Vermont in September 2005.

The players

Burlington City Council

The city government of Burlington, Vermont that passed the law banning smoking in all workplaces, including bars.

Tyrone Shaw

A musician who argued during the debate that the ban was necessary to provide "dignified and safe working conditions" for workers like musicians, bartenders, and waitresses.

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What they’re saying

“It's time for musicians and bartenders and waitresses to have dignified and safe working conditions.”

— Tyrone Shaw, Musician

The takeaway

Vermont's ban on smoking in bars was an important step in protecting workers' health and reflected a broader trend across the U.S. to limit smoking in public places. The law helped ensure a safer and more dignified work environment for bartenders, waitstaff, and other service industry employees.