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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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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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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On July 1, 2010 the Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act will take effect. Kansas workplaces, bars and restaurants will become smoke-free.  Effective July 1, 2010, businesses that prohibit smoking will be required to post signs that have the international no smoking symbol and state that smoking is prohibited by state law. Now will there be penalties if someone does not follow this new law? …of course! Kansas government has decided to enforce this by local law enforcement.  Fines, for owners/operators and smokers:

• 1st violation = not more than $100
• 2nd violation within 1 year = not more than $200
• 3rd and additional violations within 1 year = not more than $500 per violation
• Each individual smoking in an establishment where smoking is prohibited is a separate violation for the business.

Additionally, Smoking will be prohibited within 10 feet of any doorway, open window and air intake of establishments where smoking is prohibited. Businesses may choose to allow smoking in outdoor areas that are at least 10 feet from doorways, open windows and air intakes.

Source: http://www.kssmokefree.org/index.html

Look out for more information from Seton on Kansas going Smoke Free (July 1st) and Wisconsin (July 5th) as well!

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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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Last Saturday May 1st, Michigan’s New No Smoking Ban went into effect.  Usually when you think of a No Smoking Ban in public places, restaurants, workplaces and bars come to mind. Red Wing fans will be in for a big surprise when they can’t smoke  a cigarette watching their favorite team play.  The Red Wings sent an email to inform fans of  their new smoking policy which states:

The Joe Louis Arena and Cobo Arena shall prohibit smoking inside the buildings. Smoking will not be permitted in outside areas where service is intended to take place or the immediate surrounding areas of Joe Louis Arena and Cobo Arena.

There will now be designated smoking areas outside the arena for the public. For the complete press release and more information click here.

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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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As of December 31st, Smoking will no longer be permitted below the decks of Navy Submarines.

No Smoking Policies effect more than just your workplace or business.  Even the United States Navy has been researching effects of secondhand smoke for their sailors. “This policy was initiated for the health of the sailors who choose not to smoke,” said Lt. Commander Mark Jones, spokesman for the Commander Naval Submarine Forces in Norfolk, Virginia. “It is unfair for them to be exposed to the unhealthy side effects of secondhand smoke.”  An estimated 35 to 40 percent of active duty submarine sailors smoke, a 2009 U.S. Navy study found.  View the full story on CNN.

What are your opinions on this new policy?

No Smoking Signs state your policy!

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Secondhand Smoke is known to kill thousands of Americans each year.  Cancer is the second largest killer worldwide right behind heart disease. Who better to help promote Smoke-Free Texas than Lance Armstrong? Lance Armstrong is an icon among professional athletes and cancer survivors.  Smoke-Free Texas,  a coalition of public health organizations,  is trying to raise enough awareness to pass a smoke-free state law banning smoking in public.  Lance Armstrong believes that  “Polls overwhelmingly show that the people of Texas want smoking banned from public places. The science on secondhand smoke is overwhelming. I don’t want to infringe on the rights of what people do on their own time, but you shouldn’t smoke in public places. You can’t risk others’ lives”.

Last January, Lance Armstrong spoke about his reasons why he supports this group….

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Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, TN has a new policy for their employment process.   According to the Hospital’s website ,

“To further our mission of building healthier communities, effective February, 1, 2010, Memorial Health Care System will no longer hire individuals who use tobacco or nicotine products in any form. Memorial Health Care System and its affiliates recognize the major importance of associates’ health and well being, and the responsibility of maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all associates, volunteers, patients and visitors. Therefore, all individuals who are offered a position with Memorial Health Care System or any of its affiliates, are screened for illegal drug, alcohol, and/or tobacco/nicotine use as part of the post-offer health screening.”

Any applicants who are found to have tobacco related products in their screening will be automatically disqualified from employment.  Current employees will be exempt from this new policy. There is much debate around the region whether this is legal or discrimination towards people who choose to smoke. What do you think?

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