UT enforces smoking ban

Last December, voters chose to ban something about which a lot of people have mixed feelings - smoking.

Last election's Issue 5 called for smoking regulations. When passed, the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3794, which became officially effective on Dec. 7, 2006, banned smoking in public places and places of employment. The regulations also called for "No Smoking" signs with the telephone number 1-866-559-OHIO (6446) on them for reporting violations to be posted at these locations.

But are people listening? Some are, and UT has taken specific actions to abide by the smoking ban.

UT has moved ashtrays far from the buildings, according to Gary Jankowski, director of safety and health.

Also, UT offers its own no-smoking hotline in an effort to follow ORC Chapter 3794. The number, 419-530-SMOK (7665), is a hotline one can call to leave a message about offenders; however, the number has not been used frequently.

"There have only been approximately six complaints so far," Jankowski said. "I was surprised; I thought there would be more."

People do not call this hotline to "rat" people out, Jankowski said. They tend to use it for general purposes. The hotline is also intended to let UT know where problem areas are on campus.

McMaster Hall and the Heath and Human Services building tend to have the most complaints, Jankowski said.

"Smoking affects all of us," said Pat Besner, senior director of the Office of Recreation, in support of UT's ban-abiding actions.

But will UT's no-smoking procedures affect students' wallets?

Most of the actions UT is taking in regard to the smoking ban won't cost students anything extra, according to Jankowski.

"It is going to cost the institute money for the new signs," Jankowski said.

Students are not paying for these new changes, he added. Students just have to read and abide by these new rules to avoid the penalties.

According to Jankowski, the ban is a good sign of compliance.

"I feel the ban has been quite successful," Jankowski said. "[But] there will always be violations."