Rockville Joins Great American Smokeout


Rockville took part in the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, encouraging smokers and vapers to drop the habit and take their first step to becoming healthier.

great american smokeout sticker
mayor and council group 2022
Left to right: Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton; councilmembers Monique Ashton, Beryl L. Feinberg, David Myles and Mark Pierzchala.

“I am proud of the steps we have taken to protect our community, and joining the Great American Smokeout was yet another opportunity to lead by example. Smoking is no longer permitted in our public parks or on our sidewalks in Town Center. Please consider joining with us as we strive to eliminate cancer caused by nicotine products." 

— Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton


“Smoking is the largest preventable cause of death and chronic disease in the world. The Great American Smokeout is about taking steps to a healthier life and making a plan to quit smoking/vaping. It is not always easy, but it is definitely worth it and help is available. Let's work together to reduce smoking/vaping and exposure to secondhand smoke."

— Councilmember Monique Ashton


“The decline in smoking during the past 60 years is a preeminent American public health achievement. Let us redouble our efforts toward the eradication of smoking as we seek to conquer cancer and heart disease, and improve our health and well-being." 

— Councilmember Beryl L. Feinberg


“While there is so much that is out of our control in this unprecedented moment, we can make individual decisions to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. In addition to wearing a facial covering, stopping smoking has been shown to improve one's health and the health of those around you. Be a good neighbor and be good to yourself."

— Councilmember David Myles, MD

ROCKVILLE'S SMOKE-FREE LEADERSHIP

Rockville has been a leader in enacting regulations to curb smoking and vaping.

In March 2016, the city expanded its smoke and vape-free area rules to include all city property, city facilities and city parks.

Under an ordinance, passed in May 2017, owners, managers or employees of restaurants and bars cannot knowingly allow smoking or vaping on patios, decks, porches or at other outdoor serving areas.

Food service facilities are required to post conspicuous signs announcing the vaping/smoking prohibition.

Enforcement of the smoking and vaping ban in the city is conducted by the Rockville City Police Department.

Find Tools and Resources to Quit Smoking

Did You Know?

Montgomery County has also banned smoking and vaping in outside dining areas. (More on the county’s laws regarding smoking and vaping here.)

Montgomery County also bans smoking and vaping in the common areas of multifamily housing — so, no smoking in hallways, lobbies or laundries, etc. The prohibition is enforced by the property’s managers and applies in Rockville.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.

About 32.4 million American adults — and 15.5% of Marylanders — still smoke cigarettes.

Smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths every year, or about 1 in 5 deaths.

More than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease, such as heart and lung disease, which may increase risk for serious complications from COVID-19.