Last week, members of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Faculty Senate voted for a policy to ban all uses of tobacco products on campus. This policy will also prohibit the use of tobacco products in vehicles and doesn’t go in effect until July 2013. Most people understand that colleges and universities have policies in place for no smoking within buildings. This new policy is different since you will not be allowed to smoke anywhere on the grounds…including parking lots, sidewalks, athletic fields – anywhere on the University’s property. Similar policies have been proposed across the country. Any student, employee or guest would have to drive or walk completely off the property in order to smoke. Is this infringing too much on your personal life? Is this a new trend emerging? A bigger question is how and will this be enforced? UMass officials say it most likely will be on a voluntarily basis to comply. Some wonder if this policy even work then without proper enforcement. UMass has two years to figure out the best way to implement this effectively..until then, we will watch other no smoking ban trends across the country. What are your thoughts on this potential new trend?
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11th Apr 11
TBinkoski
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30th Jul 10 TBinkoski
Smoking bans are legislated and enforced by state and local government. Since there is no universal federal law on no smoking, following the right protocol can become very confusing. Smoking regulations vary state by state. Some states have comprehensive no-smoking laws already on the books, while some states are still catching up. As of July 2010, 29 states and Washington D.C. have passed laws that prohibit smoking in almost all public places and workplaces which also include restaurants and bars.
Some states have specific no-smoking signs that are required by state law. Size, color, material and wording are not consistent from state to state. Penalties, violations and tickets are common to enforce smoke-free bans. Be confident you are complying with your specific state’s laws and don’t have to worry about fines. Seton offers Smoke – Free Signs available for your state and come in several sizes and styles to meet the needs of your state’s regulations.
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23rd Jun 10 TBinkoski
Wisconsin is gearing up to go Smoke-Free on July 5th! One of the ways the state is celebrating is through a video contest. It’s the last week to enter your video showing why Wisconsin is better Smoke Free! It’s not a bad deal for the winners either…The person who makes the most creative and compelling video will receive a $500 gift certificate good at any member establishments of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. Second place will get $300 and third place $200. Videos should be no more than 1:30 in length and must be submitted by 5:00 PM on June 25, 2010.
To enter your video click here!
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9th Jun 10 TBinkoski
No Smoking policy is a very serious subject. Usually there is very little humor involved at all. When I came across a funny no smoking sign it was a bit refreshing. Anyone who follows policies and updates on smoking bans can relate to this! I love how the signs are meant to be funny but still show the seriousness of promoting and following no smoking policies. Enjoy!
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26th Apr 10 TBinkoski
Effective May 1, 2010 Michigan will join the more than half of the states in the US who have passed a Statewide Smoke-Free Bans in all public places. This does include bars, restaurants and workplaces for all enclosed public areas. However, individual states vary in their smoke free laws as far as exempt places like casinos and or cigar bars, and enforcing the laws with penalties, tickets and fines. Best practice is to get informed for your particular state of interest. For the New Michigan State Law, enclosed public places are defined as:
- An enclosed indoor area that is owned or operated by a state or local governmental agency and used by the general public.
- An enclosed indoor area used by the general public and is an educational facility
- A place of employment which is defined by an enclosed indoor area that contains one or more work area for one or more persons employed by a public or private employer.
How do you comply?
Michigan Government states compliance is determined by the following:
- Clearly and conspicuously post “no smoking” signs or the international “no smoking” symbol at each entrance and in other areas where smoking is prohibited under this act. These other areas may include outdoor areas such as patios or rooftops where patrons are intended to receive service or consume food, beverages, or both.
- Removing ashtrays and other smoking paraphernalia from anywhere where smoking is prohibited. “Smoking paraphernalia” means any equipment, apparatus, or furnishing that is used in or necessary for the activity of smoking.
- Informing individuals smoking in violation of this act that they are in violation of state law and are subject to penalties.
- Refusing service to an individual smoking in violation of this act.
- Asking an individual smoking in violation of this act to refrain from smoking and, if the individual continues to smoke in violation, ask him or her to leave.
Visit our Michigan Smoke- Free Ban Resource Page for additional compliant information, products to comply, and much more! Click here for information on other states that have no smoking bans.
Stayed tuned for additional information for…
Kansas – Effective July 1, 2010
Wisconsin - Effective July 5, 2010
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15th Mar 10 TBinkoski
- Ohio’s State Specific Smoke Free Sign
CASE STUDY: Ohio
Since the Ohio Department of Health passed a Smoke Free Ban in May 2007, compliants against businesses violating this policy have dramatically dropped over the years.
We’re getting to the point where we have more (repeat violators) than initial violations, said Mandy Burkett, Chief of the Health Department’s indoor environments section.
Other states such as Iowa and Illionois have also seen a drop in their compliants after their first year. The government in Ohio currently conducts investigations and will fine a particular business if they find a violation against the State wide Smoke Free policy. Businesses really need to post their No Smoking Signs to indicate to all customers the policy. Check out Seton’s wide selection of State Specific No Smoking Regulatory Signs today.
Source: Dayton Daily News
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8th Mar 10 TBinkoski
Advocates in Indiana have been pushing for a statewide smoke free ban to be passed, however it looks like they will have to try harder for 2011.
Senate President David Long stated,
“There will be no statewide smoking ban this year because many lawmakers believe it should be a local issue. We’re going to wait, and we’ll take another look at it next year,” he said. “We haven’t said no permanently, but this year the bill will not receive a hearing in the Senate.”
One of the main advocates is Don Welsh, head of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors, who believes it could be hurting the tourism in the city. Don said, “In some cases, it will go down to the level of saying, ‘Does your city allow for smoking or non-smoking?’” Click here for the full article.
Stay tuned to see what will happen in Indiana. For more information on Statewide Smoking Bans visit the American Lung Association’s State of Tobacco Control to see how your State rates. Seton offers a wide selection of smoking policy signs to meet your specific needs.
