Smoking Ban Working, Police Say

It's been four months since the university banned smoking on campus but nobody has been issued a ticket for it yet.

So far, campus police have just been warning people they catch smoking on campus. Last month, police issued several verbal warnings and two written warnings for violations of the smoking ban, according to Arch Jones, the UCAPD public information officer.

Police are focusing more on making students, staff and faculty aware of the policy than issuing tickets, Jones said. If the warnings don't stop violations of the law, officers are prepared to issue tickets, he said. Fines can be as high as $500.

"As we move through this initial year of the new policy, we will continually assess and adjust our priorities on the matter," Jones said. "If we reach a point in time where warnings are deemed to be ineffective, then additional awareness initiatives will be implemented."

Think smoking in your car is a safe haven? Think again. It is a violation of the smoking ban, Jones said.

How about the sidewalks along the shoulder of Donaghey Avenue? That's a violation, too, he said.

"Sidewalks on university property fall under the jurisdiction of the smoking ban," he said.

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