Arkansas marks 20 years of statewide indoor smoking ban

On July 22, 2026, Arkansas commemorated the 20th anniversary of its statewide indoor smoking ban, a law enacted in 2006 after a bipartisan effort in the state legislature. The ban, which prohibits smoking in restaurants, bars and most workplaces, was championed by Governor Mike Huckabee, who reversed his earlier opposition and argued the measure protected workers’ health. Huckabee said, “I think people are going to find out that there is an overwhelming number of people who really prefer a nonsmoking environment.”

Public‑health officials credit the ban with improving indoor air quality and reducing exposure to second‑hand smoke in a state that has historically lagged on health indicators. The anniversary is being used as a reference point for current policymakers to consider other public‑health initiatives.