Oklahoma's tobacco laws provide some protection for the state, but critical gaps leave some communities vulnerable. Smoking is still allowed in hotels, bars and in-home daycares, and preemption laws prevent local governments from passing stricter regulations on workplace smoking or tobacco advertising in their own communities.
Beyond enforcement of existing laws, additional protections are needed, including menthol and flavored tobacco laws, prohibiting smoking in cars with children present and ending preemption to allow local control. These measures have strong public support and proven success in other states, yet Oklahoma remains one of the only states without comprehensive smoke-free policies. Here's what current laws cover and where change is needed most.