ATLANTA — Smokers visiting Atlanta will find fewer places to light up thanks to a new city ordinance that took effect today.

The city’s comprehensive smoke-free ordinance to make Atlanta a healthier city for residents, employees, and visitors has officially taken effect.

The new local law prohibits smoking and vaping indoors in most public places, including bars and restaurants, while exempting cigar bars and hookah lounges.

“Everyone in Atlanta has the right to breathe smoke-free air,” said Post 2 At-Large Council member Matt Westmoreland, who introduced the legislation. “I am grateful for the strong collaboration between the business community and healthcare advocates as we developed this legislation.”

Atlanta joins more than 1,000 cities across the country with comprehensive smoke-free protections aimed at ensuring residents, visitors and employees can be free from secondhand smoke exposure.