Smoking in doorways to be prohibited under city law

The new Columbus citywide smoking ban will have a minor, but immediate, impact on the campus of Columbus State Community College.

As of February 1, 2005 when the smoking ban takes effect, smoking will no longer be allowed in enclosed areas, in doorways or near entrances to buildings. Smoking in Columbus State buildings has been banned since 1992.

The citywide Smokefree Indoor Air Act of 2004 includes wording that restricts smoking from "all areas immediately adjacent to the ingress and egress of any enclosed area to ensure that smoke does not enter the enclosed area through entrances, windows, ventilations systems or other means."

In order to encourage smokers to move away from the entrances, no smoking signs with a phone number to report violations will be posted, ashtrays will be moved to new locations further from entrances, and the college's written smoking policy will be revised to reflect the new law.

Answers to some frequently asked questions about the Smokefree Indoor Air Act are below.

Smoking Ban 

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1. Does the City of Columbus “smoking ban” affect me as an employee/student of Columbus State?

Yes.  However, the College has been smoke free in its buildings since 1992.  Therefore there is little change from how the College operates regarding students and employees. 

 

2. When does the “smoking ban” go into effect?

This Act will be enforced beginning February 1, 2005.

3. What is the current policy regarding smoking at Columbus State?

Smoking is prohibited at all times in all Columbus State Community College buildings (Policy 13-02).  The new law prohibits smoking in areas immediately adjacent to enclosed areas (building entrances) and in College owned vehicles. 

4. Will the current smoking policy change at Columbus State?

Yes, Columbus State’s smoking policy will be revised to comply with The Smokefree Indoor Air Act of 2004.

5. How will I find out about the changes in the smoking policy at Columbus State?

Once the Board of Trustees approves the revised policy, it will be prominently posted and disseminated to employees and students. 

6. What changes will be seen at Columbus State?

Columbus State will be required to post “No Smoking” signs at every public entrance and include a telephone number to report violations.  In addition, all ashtrays and other receptacles used for disposing smoking material will be moved from the public entrance space.  Smoking will be prohibited outside any public entrances at Columbus State.

 

7. Violations of the “Smoking Ban” at Columbus State should be reported to whom?

Suspected violations of the “Smoking Ban” should be reported to the Columbus State Public Safety Department @ 287-2525. 

8. What is the consequence to me if I violate the “Smoking Ban”?

Employees/students who violate this law will be asked to extinguish their smoking material or move to an area that does not violate the law.  Employees/students who continue to disregard the law may be disciplined in extreme cases. 

9. What is the consequence to the College if I violate the “Smoking Ban”?

The employer’s failure to comply with the requirements of the Act is considered a misdemeanor, and could be fined. 

10. How will the Act impact me at Columbus State?

Smoking is prohibited inside any facilities, enclosed area, immediately adjacent to any enclosed area or vehicles of Columbus State Community College.  Signs will be posted at every public entrance and include a phone number to report violations.  Ashtrays and other receptacles used for disposing of smoking material will be moved away from public entrance space.  Smoking will be prohibited outside any public entrances at Columbus State. 

11. Can I smoke in the parking lots at Columbus State?

      Yes, you will be able to smoke in the parking lots as long as you are clear

      of any public entrances.

12.  How can I find more information?

For more information about the Smokefree Indoor Air Act, call the Columbus Health Department at 724-4AIR (4247).  You can also get information at the department website at www.cmhhealth.org