Smokers returning to campus this year will be greeted with some new restrictions, thanks to the Eugene Smoke-free Workplace Ordinance.
Aside from a few minor exemptions, the city-wide ordinance prohibits smoking in all public buildings and places of business.
“The University will comply with all of the stipulations of the new ordinance,” said Kay Coots, University director of Environmental Health and Safety.
Consequently, smokers on campus now must abide by the same rules as the rest of the Eugene.
The controversial ordinance, which passed last fall, and went into effect July 1 of this year, requires that all smokers stand more than ten feet away from any entrance. The ordinance also allows all businesses and public establishments to place signs in front of their respective buildings advising people of the new restrictions. Some buildings around campus have yet to post signs, but Coots said every building on campus will be outfitted with signs by the first morning of fall classes.
During much of last school year, staff at the School of Journalism and Communication would place hand-made signs near the main entrance directing smokers to stay clear of the doorway in respect to non-smokers inside the building.
According to Tobacco Free Lane County’s Web site, owners of public buildings must make sure everyone is aware of the stipulations of the new ordinance. Those who continue to smoke within 10 feet of entrances could face fines ranging from $50 for first time offenders to $500 for repeat offenders.
The staffs at Lane County Public Health and Tobacco Prevention, along with the Tobacco Information line, will aid the police department in the enforcement of the new ordinance by fielding complaints, and providing written testimony for instances which involve civil penalties.
Though some smokers have protested the ordinance, the majority of city residents support the idea of a smoke-free public environment. According to Tobacco Free Lane County, eight out of 10 voters favor the workplace ordinance.
Elizabeth Miglioretto, a Lane County Public Heath and Prevention coordinator, said people are learning it’s not just the smoker who is adversely affected by smoking.
Miglioretto said she believes recent scientific studies proving the dangers of second-hand smoke have added to the popularity of the new ordinance.
“More and more people have been getting sick, doctors just needed proof,” she said.
Paula Staight, University Director of Health Education, said she wants students to be aware of the risks, not only of smoking, but also of second-hand smoke.
“Inhaling second-hand smoke is as dangerous as exposure to asbestos, and people deserve to be protected from it,” she said.
Staight said she plans on developing an informational flyer and hosting an open house at the University Health Center on Sept. 20. The new tobacco ordinance will be addressed at the open house.
The health center staff encourages students who wish to kick their smoking habit to visit them, Staight said, and added they will be able to provide medication and other assistance.