Mar 05 2026
Planning and building a designated smoking zone at work is one of the most neglected facilities projects around.
When done right it keeps staff happy, helps the workplace stay compliant, and prevents classic regular cigarettes from becoming a management headache every day. When done wrong however it can lead to legal liability, create fire hazards, and annoy both smokers and non-smokers alike.
Which brings us to…
Building a functional smoking zone isn't as simple as picking a quiet spot outdoors and tossing a chair and trash can. Sure, that might technically qualify. A true smoking zone is a deliberate project that requires planning, the right materials, and a written policy enforced from day one.
Let's dive into what exactly goes into building that kind of zone…
Here's a fun fact that most employers don't know…
According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 5 workers in the U.S. smoke — about the same percentage of non-smoking employees that are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke at work. Taken together, that's almost half the workforce handling cigarette smoke on company time.
And it doesn't just magically disappear.
Whether employers like it or not, employees who smoke classic regular cigarettes will take smoking breaks. The real question is whether they do it in a safe location that's approved — or haphazard locations all over the property that lead to liability risks and hassles with other staff.
Providing a properly designed smoking zone handles the former issue wonderfully.
Then there are non-smoking employees to think about. Workers that enjoy brands like canadian classic cigarettes still deserve a space that takes everyone's needs into account. That includes both smokers and non-smokers. Separating both groups physically is one of the best ways to handle that.
Makes sense so far? Great.
With the 'why' covered, it's time to figure out 'where'.
Local laws control nearly every aspect of the zone before it's even built.
Start by contacting the local government office. Smoking zones need to be set a minimum distance away from entrances, air intakes, windows, and more. Most require placement at least 10–20 feet away but it's worth double checking the city's specific code.
Distance from pedestrian traffic is another key consideration. Ideally the smoking zone should be far enough away that smoke doesn't travel indoors or to crowded areas of the business. But close enough that employees will actually use it.
Other planning considerations include:
Planning a smoking zone isn't hard. Skipping this step is what causes problems later.
If you've been looking online for smoking zone inspiration, there are a lot of zones out there that don't meet this list.
They slap a bench somewhere and call it good. But there are 5 things every smoking zone needs.
Believe it or not this actually matters. Shelters keep smoke zones comfortable year-round and show employees the space was designed with care. Don't fully enclose it. Three walls with a roof is ideal.
How the shelter is built matters too. Smoke zones should be open-air. Avoid anything that traps secondhand smoke inside with smokers.
Cigarettes don't go in garbage cans. Every smoke zone needs heavy-duty ashtrays or cigarette disposal units that can be emptied regularly. These are also fire-safe — which brings us to the next point.
Providing a place for cigarette smokers won't just keep smokers contained — it can actually lower the risk of fire damage and reduce expenses long-term. Facilities with smoking restrictions see insurance premium decreases of up to 30%.
Smoking zones need clear limits so they don't expand over time. Lay down barriers that keep the zone defined but still open. Plants, small fences, or even bright paint works well.
Lastly, if the goal is for people to use the smoking zone, it has to be comfortable. Include a couple of chairs if possible. And lights for early morning or late night smokers.
Don't build the smoking zone without a couple of important rules posted visibly on-site.
Posting signs lets smokers know the expectations — and when the zone is available — right away. Include the rules of use and proper cigarette disposal instructions. Simple and easy to understand is best.
A zone sign is just one part of enforcing an outdoor smoking policy though. That policy should address…
It doesn't have to be a lengthy policy. A one page document that's handed out on day one — and displayed inside the smoking zone itself — is plenty.
Almost every article about workplace smoking zones stops at construction. Here's the part they leave out…
Maintenance matters.
If the goal is a smoking zone that looks great long-term, take action now. Decide who is in charge of cleaning it up — and enforce that responsibility daily.
Emptying cigarette disposal units is one thing. But the smoking zone should also be checked for litter at least twice a week.
Depending on how the shelter is built, a quick seasonal check may be needed as well. Things break. Pests move in. Don't let the smoking zone turn into an eyesore — or employees will stop respecting it too.
Creating a functional smoking zone at work really isn't that difficult. It does require some work though. And plenty of thought ahead of time.
The most important takeaway is that employees who smoke classic regular cigarettes deserve somewhere safe to go. Non-smokers should never be impacted by someone else's cigarette smoke. And having workers attempt to light up all over the property creates unnecessary risk.
That means:
Build that list into the process and a functional smoking zone will be up in no time.
Tell me what you need and I'll get back to you right away.