103 Smoking

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Department of Human Services
Human Resources Policy #103

Smoking

Release Date:

August 16, 1999

Revised Date:

June 15, 2026

Next Review Date:

June 14, 2028

References:

O.C.G.A. § 16-12-2 — Smoking in Public Places
O.C.G.A. § § 31-12A-1 et seq. — Georgia Smokefree Air Act of 2005

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is a smoke-free environment. Smoking, including the use of electronic smoking devices and smokeless products (e.g., vapes, chewing tobacco), is prohibited in all facilities occupied or controlled by DHS and in vehicles owned by or assigned to DHS. Smoking is also prohibited in State of Georgia vehicles, vehicles rented or leased for business purposes or in an employee’s personal vehicle during work hours while transporting clients or customers.

This smoking policy is applicable to all employees, clients, customers, vendors, and visitors to DHS facilities.

​Section A: Prohibitions

  1. Smoking and smokeless products are prohibited in all DHS facilities, including buildings owned, leased, or operated by the State of Georgia, its agencies and authorities, and any political subdivision of the state, municipal corporation, or local board or authority created by general, local, or special Act of the General Assembly or by ordinance or resolution of the governing body of a county or municipal corporation individually or jointly with other political subdivisions or municipalities of the state.

  2. Except as otherwise specifically provided, smoking and smokeless products are prohibited in all areas within places of employment, including, but not limited to, common work areas, auditoriums, classrooms, conference and meeting rooms, private offices, elevators, hallways, medical facilities, cafeterias, employee lounges, stairs, restrooms, and all other enclosed facilities.

​Section B: Provisions

  1. Authorized officials are to ensure a smoke-free work environment in all DHS facilities.

  2. "No Smoking" signs are to be posted in conspicuous places to indicate that the DHS facility is a smokefree work environment.

  3. Employees may smoke only in designated areas during their meal periods and during a maximum of two (2) discretionary 15-minute break periods. Additional break time is not allowed for smoking.

​Section C: Compliance

  1. Employees are required to comply with the provisions of this policy.

  2. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees do not smoke in prohibited areas or use work time for smoking purposes.

  3. Appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including separation, will be taken against employees who violate this policy.

For additional information or assistance, please contact your designated Human Resources Representative.