September 1, 2026 marks the 21st year of a strong smokefree law in Austin, Texas.
Back in 2005, Austin, Texas, known as the Live Music Capital of the World, was an early adopter of an indoor clean air law that included bars and music venues. The new ordinance suddenly cleared the air for hospitality workers, bartenders, music fans, and musicians. Everyone in Austin started to enjoy a night out without breathing in toxic secondhand smoke. After implementation, Austin found that music venues and bars were more popular than ever – taking smoking outside really was good for health, and good for the business too.
This article from the Austin Chronicle, celebrating the 10 year anniversary of this ordinance, shares conversations with the community then, featuring Dr. Phil Huang, who is now a member of ANR’s Board of Directors. Also quoted is Joe Ables, owner of the famed Saxon Pub: “We did see a lot of new faces after the ban went into effect and revenue went up. There is no question that our room is much better with no smoke not to mention there is less a/c maintenance and cleaning required now.”
In 2020, on the 15th anniversary of the Austin ordinance, ANR Foundation’s Smokefree Music Cities project featured 10 artists along with Joe Ables during the month of September to highlight personal stories from Austin musicians. Hear their stories and some music from award winning artists and icons like Marcia Ball, Jackie Venson, Johnny Goudie, Shinyribs, Gina Chavez, SaulPaul, Moving Panoramas, Matt the Electrician, Suzanna Choffel, and BettySoo.
Notable music cities that have gone smokefree include
New Orleans, breathing easy in its 11th smokefree anniversary in April 2026, Atlanta 6 years smokefree this year, and Nashville‘s ordinance has provided three years of clean indoor air.
Which music city will be next?
If you are interested in working on a campaign to bring smokefree air to all workplaces, including hospitality venues such as bars, music clubs, and casinos, contact us at anr@no-smoke.org.
Every city should be a #smokefreemusiccity!
