Tobacco-Free SchoolsFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. What is included in the new tobacco-use restrictions for schools? Q. When do these requirements come into effect? Q. How will this new law be enforced? Q. What other jurisdictions have similar bans on smoking on school property? Q. Who do I call for further information?
Q. What is included in the new tobacco-use restrictions for schools? A. Smoking, holding lit tobacco or using chewing tobacco is not allowed by anyone (staff, students, parents and visitors) anywhere on school property (school buildings, vehicles, parking lots, sports fields, driveways, courtyards, private vehicles parked on school property) at any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Q. When do these requirements come into effect? A. By law, schools are required to be 100% tobacco-free as of September 2, 2007.
Q. Will these requirements apply to use of school property after school hours by sports clubs or other groups, under the terms of rental agreements or otherwise accessing school property? A. Yes, the new law applies to school buildings and other property at all times, whether being used for school purposes or by sports clubs or other groups renting or permitted access to the facilities or property. Groups using school property after school hours will be required to ensure that smoking and other use of tobacco does not occur.
Q. How will this new law be enforced? A. Each school district and school will be reviewing their tobacco use and enforcement policy this fall to ensure that their policy meets the legal requirements established by the Tobacco Control Act, and to ensure that their policies support the successful implementation of this enhanced legislation.
In addition, provisions under the Tobacco Control Act allow for enforcement of the Act by Tobacco Enforcement Officers. These officers are employed by local health authorities, and support the health authority in enforcing all aspects of the Tobacco Control Act, including provisions restricting sales of tobacco to minors and smoking in schools and public places.
Q. Won’t this new law just force smokers to smoke around private homes and local business near the schools? A. Experience in other jurisdictions has shown that while initially this may be the case, working with the school population and local community helps reduce such situations over time.
Q. What other jurisdictions have similar bans on smoking on school property? A. In Canada, six other jurisdictions have extended their school smoking bans to include school property. These jurisdictions are Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and PEI.
Q. Who do I call for further information? A. Please call your local school district office for further information.
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