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Tobacco Enforcement

photo: cigarette crushed against surface

We seek to protect public health by reducing exposure to tobacco and secondhand smoke. We also enforce bans on the sale of tobacco to minors

Tobacco Sales to Minors

According to City of Springfield ordinance, tobacco sales to minors are prohibited. Businesses that do not comply may be ticketed.

We are committed to working diligently with business owners to help them understand current applicable city ordinances.

Business owners who would like a consultation visit, staff training, and/or education may contact Karen McKinnis at 417-864-1623.

Smokefree Dining

In 2003 Springfield City Council approved an ordinance restricting smoking in dining establishments. Businesses were given a grace period in which to change policy, apply for an exemption or make facility changes.

We visit dining establishments to evaluate their compliance with the ordinance. In addition, we investigate smokefree dining complaints from the general public. To make a complaint regarding a dining establishment that is not in compliance with Springfield's smokefree dining ordinance, please contact Karen McKinnis at 417-864-1623.

View a list of restaurants with exemptions from the smoke-free dining ordinance.

Tobacco Enforcement Staff

Karen McKinnis, Environmental/Community Health Planner
kmckinnis@springfieldmo.gov | 417-864-1623
Karen's graduate and undergraduate background focused on Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics; followed by Medical Technology School. Karen is a fellow of the Missouri Public Health Leadership Institute of St. Louis University. Karen's professional work history started in 1983 working in a large clinical laboratory specializing in microbiology and infection control, then moved to a forensic laboratory specializing in serology, toxicology, drug analysis and crime scenes and finally to her current career in public health.

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How do I apply for an exemption to the smokefree ordinance?
Complete the exemption application and include appropriate documentation where noted in the application. Please make sure to include your business license number on the application.
XYZ Restaurant is not on your list of exemptions. What's going on?
It's possible they recently became exempt and we haven't updated the exemption list. Or, they could be in noncompliance. Either way, please let us know by contacting Karen McKinnis at 417-864-1623.
Can a restaurant be exempt from the smoke free ordinance if it has a liquor license?
Yes. A food establishment may be exempt from the smoke free ordinance if it has a liquor license and either a separate room for smoking, sales of less than $200,000 a year, or less than fifty percent of its sales come from food.
Is there an exemption for establishments based on sales revenue?
Yes. A food establishment may be exempt from the smoke free ordinance if it has a liquor license and has sales of less than $200,000 a year.
Do small restaurants have to be smoke-free?
An exemption is allowed for businesses with less than 50 seats.
Can a restaurant build a separate smoking room?
Yes. A food establishment may be exempt from the smoke free ordinance if it has a liquor license and a separate room for smoking.

Springfield-Greene County Health Department
227 East Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO 65802
Tel: 417-864-1658 Fax: 417-864-1099
Missouri Relay: 1-800-735-2966

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to the USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington D.C., 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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