Where can you smoke in Georgia, and what are the fines?
The indoor ban, hookahs and e-cigarettes, and fines.
Short answer
In Georgia you cannot smoke inside buildings and enclosed spaces, including cafes, restaurants and bars, or on most public transport. Smoking is allowed outdoors and on open terraces unless a separate ban applies. The ban covers e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and hookahs, and both the smoker and the venue can be fined.
Why
- The indoor smoking ban has applied since 2018 under Georgia's Law on Tobacco Control.
- The law treats e-cigarettes and heated tobacco like cigarettes.
- Fines are set by the Administrative Offences Code: 500 GEL for a venue, 1,000 GEL for a repeat offence.
Details
That is why hookahs are served only in open-air areas. The law makes exceptions for some places, such as licensed cigar bars and casinos. Cigarettes are not displayed in shops; you have to ask the cashier.
Tip
Smoke only where there's an ashtray or a designated-area sign, and ask staff if unsure.
What may differ
Rules are softer on open terraces and in designated areas, which are marked with signs.
Common misconception
You can always smoke on a café's summer veranda.
What actually happens
Only if the terrace is genuinely open. Glazed or enclosed verandas count as indoor spaces.
People also ask
- Can you smoke in restaurants in Georgia?
Sources
- Law of Georgia on Tobacco ControlChecked at:
- Administrative Offences Code of GeorgiaChecked at:
This answer is for reference only and is not legal advice. Laws change, so check the official text on Matsne.
What not to do in GeorgiaRelated questions
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Until what time, and from what age, is alcohol sold in Georgia?
Alcohol in Georgia is sold to people aged 18 and over; selling to minors is prohibited, and shops may ask for ID.
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What can and can't you take out of Georgia?
You can take personal belongings, souvenirs, wine, chacha and food for your own use out of Georgia; Georgian customs mainly restricts items of cultural heritage and large amounts of cash.
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What is forbidden for tourists in Georgia, and what gets you fined?
The fines tourists most often face in Georgia are for smoking indoors, overstaying the visa-free period and traffic violations.
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What can get you deported from Georgia?
A foreigner can be expelled from Georgia for staying unlawfully, for example after the visa-free period ends, for threatening state security or public order, and for certain offences.