More than a month since the passage of a law that bans smoking in public places, the Northern Marianas College assured the public yesterday that the campus is now a smoke-free zone and is drafting policy that would address student violators.
College president Dr. Carmen Fernandez said the institution is compliant with Public Law 16-46, and that smoking is no longer allowed anywhere on NMC property.
Fernandez said that, soon after the enactment of the anti-smoking law, she issued a memorandum to all employees to inform them of the law's application on campus. She said she expects all students, faculty, and staff to comply with the measure.
“Any violations will be handled in accordance with the law and Board of Regents policy,” Fernandez's said, adding that the management is also working on regulations that further clarify how violations will be handled.
Posters and flyers will soon be disseminated on campus to help spread the word about the new law. The information will include resources that offer support and assistance to those who want to quit smoking.
“We are making every effort to reach our students, thus we ask all faculty to please announce this law in the classrooms,” Fernandez said.
Saipan Tribune learned that Fernandez is currently working with the college's Human Resources Office to draft policy that would address violations of the law by students.
The regulations, as the Public Law 16-46 mandates, include mandatory education classes on the hazards of tobacco use.
“A smoke-free campus will provide a healthier environment for our students and our employees. I know how difficult this new law can be for smokers, but in the long run I believe that a smoke-free environment can play a considerable role in helping people quit smoking,” said Fernandez.
She said that NMC will ensure that employees and students have access to smoking cessation programs and services offered by the Department of Public Health and other organizations.
Some employees interviewed by Saipan Tribune said that majority of the campus' smokers now follow the law.
Under the said law, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas and outdoor areas within 25 feet of any doorway entrance or exit to a government facility. It also bans smoking in enclosed areas of public places.
Smoking is also prohibited in enclosed facilities within places of employment or within 25 feet of any person who is not smoking if the place or site of work is an outdoor area or area other than an enclosed area, without exception.
The smoking ban does not apply to bars, private residences, and retail tobacco stores, as well as hotel rooms and private rooms in nursing homes that are designated as smoking.
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