Smoking Policy

Preamble

The New York State Clean Indoor Air Act became effective July 24, 2003. This law, which amends Public Health Law Article 13-E (Regulation of Smoking in Certain Public Areas), requires every employer in the State to provide smoke-free work areas for all employees in the workplace.

Background

  • Many scientific studies, including the 1986 report of the U.S. Surgeon General, have cited involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke as the cause of several diseases or health problems in otherwise healthy non-smokers. The health hazards include lung cancer, respiratory infection, decreased exercise tolerance, decreased respiratory function, and bronchial constriction. "Exposure to tobacco smoke precipitates or aggravates allergic attacks in persons with respiratory allergies and accelerates such allergic symptoms as eye irritation, nasal symptoms, headaches, coughs, wheezing, sore throats and hoarseness."
  • A significant percentage of faculty, staff and students do not smoke.
  • The State of New York in conjunction with the State employee unions have encouraged a Smoking Policy.
  • The New York State Public Health Law (Article 13-E) established specific regulations for smoking in both public and private places. The law regulates smoking in the workplace and indoor areas open to the public.

Policy

In accordance with the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act, Alfred University will implement this amended smoking policy, beginning July 8, 2015. It is Alfred University's policy to comply with all sections of this Act and, therefore, smoking is prohibited in all University buildings, fire escapes, outdoor sporting events and during on-campus outdoor activities/events. Smoking is also prohibited within 25 feet of all building entrances, open windows and outdoor air ventilation intakes. The definition of smoking is the burning, lighting or use of a tobacco product and any other smoking device or equipment that includes, but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, electronic delivery devices including but not limited to e-cigarettes, hookahs, marijuana and pipes.

Compliance

It is the responsibility of all members of the Alfred University community to observe this smoking policy. Since Alfred University is legally responsible for compliance with this State law, the following enforcement system will be used if necessary.

Any member of the campus community may request a violator comply with this policy. If a person refuses to stop smoking in a non-smoking area, after receiving such a request, Public Safety will be notified. Public Safety will assess the situation and, if necessary, complete an Incident Report or take appropriate measures to ensure compliance.

Copies of the incident report will be sent to Environmental Health and Safety and will be upheld as follows:

  1. Students: A copy is forwarded to the Student Judicial System for review and action.
  2. Faculty/Staff: A copy is forwarded to Human Resources and the existing Alfred University Disciplinary Policy will be followed.
  3. Visitors/Guests: In the event of non-compliance, Public Safety will be notified and take appropriate action.