Smoking will be banned at council-owned children's playgrounds from June 1.
The restriction will cover nearly 50 play areas in parks and on the seafront.
It represents the first major step towards a smoke-free Brighton and Hove.
The ban, supported unanimously by city councillors yesterday, will be extended to all council venues used for work, entertainment or hospitality.
Deputy council leader Sue John said: "We are the first council in the country to take such strong action by declaring ourselves in favour of smoke-free policies."
Conservative councillor Ann Norman said there was no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke.
Green councillor Bill Randall said 220 people died from smoking-related diseases in the UK every day and said students working in bars had no choice but to breathe in other people's smoke. He called for a ban in all public places.
Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Elgood said: "It's time to call last orders on smoking in public places and I hope many bars, cafes and offices sign up to this scheme."
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