Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government was the first Kentucky community to enact a smoke-free ordinance in 2003, restricting smoking inside all buildings open to the public including restaurants and bars. The law went into effect in April 2004 after the KY Supreme Court upheld the ordinance. As Lexington is located in the burley tobacco belt, this event was a ‘sea change’ for the Midwest and Southern regions of the U.S. and a role model for other communities in Kentucky and the region. As of January 1, 2019, 51 KY communities have smoke-free laws. Lexington’s law was extended to restrict smoking in all workplaces (e.g., manufacturing facilities) in 2008 and to prohibit e-cigarette use indoors in 2014.
