SMOKE FREE ARIZONA | NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 1 | VOLUME 7 | MARCH 2016

Arizona Veterans
& Fraternal Clubs
Is it true that smoking is
allowed in veterans and
fraternal clubs?
Yes, however smoking is allowed
only at times when the club is
not open to the general public.
Open to the general public
means when the proprietor
permits an individual who is
not a member, an employee, or
a bona fide guest as defined in
A.R.S. § 4-101 to be present in
the club.

What about on bingo nights,
fish fries, and other similar
events?
Bingo nights are usually open
to the general public. The club
must comply with the SmokeFree Arizona Act by prohibiting
smoking inside enclosed areas
where the public is permitted.
Remove all ashtrays from the
room that will be open to the
general public and move outdoor
ashtrays at least 20 feet away
from any entrance to the room

What are
Veterans or
fraternal clubs?

being used for Bingo night, so
that the message is clear that
smoking is not allowed inside
or within a reasonable distance
from the entrances.

A local unit of veterans
chartered by the U.S.
Congress for patriotic,
fraternal, or benevolent
purposes

Is smoking allowed in private
clubs and country clubs?

A local unit of an
American national
fraternal organization
in active existence in
at least 36 states or
that has been in active
continuous existence for
at least 20 years

No. Private clubs and country
clubs do not meet the definition
of fraternal and veterans clubs.
The Act defines “veteran[s] and
fraternal clubs” by referencing
the definition of “club” in A.R.S. §
4-101(7)(a), (7)(b), and (7)(c).

Do we have to post signs on
Bingo Night or nights when
the club is open to the general
public?
No. You will not be required to
post signs, but it will be essential
to alert employees, patrons,
members, and bona fide guests
that the Smoke-Free Act will
prohibit smoking inside and
within a reasonable distance
from the areas where the general
public is permitted.

A hall or building
association, whose
capital stock is owned by
a local unit of veterans
chartered by the U.S.
Congress, by a local unit
of an American national
fraternal organization,
or by the local unit's
members

1-877-429-6676 | smokefreearizona.org | smokefreearizona@azdhs.gov