City of Arlington expands smoke-free ordinance, becoming a model for clean indoor air in Texas

ARLINGTON, April 23, 2026 — The City of Arlington has taken a major step to protect public health by strengthening its smoke-free ordinance to include e-cigarettes and vaping devices in all indoor workplaces and public spaces. The City Council unanimously approved the expanded ordinance, which takes effect May 15 and applies to all enclosed public places and workplaces throughout Arlington.

The American Heart Association applauds the Arlington City Council’s action, which places the city among a growing group of Texas communities leading the way on clean indoor air protections for workers, families, and visitors alike.

By expanding the ordinance, Arlington is reducing exposure to harmful secondhand smoke and aerosol and helping curb the tobacco industry’s efforts to addict a new generation. Each year, tobacco use causes approximately 168,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease nationwide. In Texas alone, tobacco claims an estimated 28,000 lives annually and costs the state $10.29 billion in health care expenses. Secondhand smoke and aerosol from e-cigarettes contain heavy metals and fine particles that can worsen heart and lung disease. Because these exposures pose real and preventable health risks, cities across Texas continue to strengthen their smoke-free protections. 

More than 90 Texas cities, including Arlington, have adopted comprehensive smoke-free ordinances. However, hundreds of communities - and millions of Texans -still lack these protections. As a result, too many workers and families breathe dangerous secondhand smoke and aerosol every day.

The American Heart Association urges city leaders across Texas to follow Arlington’s lead and take action to ensure everyone has the right to breathe clean indoor air. Arlington now joins Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, Irving, Denton, Waco, Austin, Houston, El Paso, and McAllen as Texas cities with smoke-free ordinances that include e-cigarettes. Together, these communities show how local policies can protect public health while supporting strong local business environments.

Smoke-free policies save lives and strengthen communities. Research shows that smoke-free laws improve public health without hurting businesses. In fact, many see increased customer traffic after adopting smoke and aerosol-free policies.

“Arlington is proving that clean indoor air is a basic right—not a luxury,” said Alisa Sandmann, Community Advocacy Director for the American Heart Association. “This decision protects health today and sets a clear standard for cities across Texas.”

The American Heart Association encourages Texans to learn more about efforts to ensure clean indoor air across the state. Those looking to take action or stay informed can connect with the American Heart Association’s Smoke Free Texas initiative online.

For Arlington residents, the change means healthier indoor spaces citywide. For Texas, it signals growing momentum toward a future where clean indoor air is the norm, not the exception.

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