Sinclair Community College has updated their smoking policy for winter quarter by increasing the designated smoking areas.
The same rules still apply from the original policy. There is still no smoking indoors or within 25 feet of a public entrance. There are certain areas around campus where you are allowed to smoke, including public sidewalks.
Lt. Scott Fowler of the Sinclair Police Department said the policy was adjusted due to the increased amount of smokers and some complaints that there were not enough areas to smoke.
In 2008, Sinclair Police issued 266 smoking warnings, and in 2009 they issued 340 smoking warnings. No citations were issued in either year, according to Fowler.
“Technically, (smokers) can be fined but we usually give a warning first,” Fowler said. “Most students are very cooperative.”
Fowler said that along with a warning, officers are supposed to hand out a card with approved smoking locations.
When asked about the new smoking areas, many students said they were aware. Sinclair student Nicholas Jones thinks the policy works.
“It’s fair to those who don’t smoke,” Jones said. “I’m a smoker and I don’t even like getting smoke blown in my face.”
Jones said he understands the reasoning behind the policy.
“The only time it sucks is during the winter when you have to go outside,” Jones said.
If you are interested in looking at Ohio’s smoking policy visit www.odh.ohio.gov/alerts/ohiosmokingban.aspx.
The following is a complete list of approved smoking locations on Sinclair’s campus:
• Building 2 southwest steps under the overhang
• Building 5 west side between Buildings 5 & 8
• Building 7 in the north terrace area in the Tartan Marketplace
• Building 7 south entrance on either side of the building
• Center of the main plaza
• Building 8 entrance south side of plaza
• Building 10 north steps on east end
• Building 12 west plaza facing the main campus
• Building 12 southeast plaza facing Perry Street
• Building 13 west under the pedestrian bridge
• Building 14 east plaza facing Perry Street
• Building 16 near the air unit fencing
• Building 19 on Wilkinson Street north at the alley
• Building 20 near the art display
• Building 20 southeast plaza facing the Great Miami River
• Parking Lot A, first floor, behind the PMI Office