A majority of respondents to the draft policy statement agreed that smoking should be prohibited in most workplaces and public areas. They were concerned however not to interfere with the right of individuals to smoke in designated areas or where others would not be affected. After review of the many comments received in response to publication of the draft policy in the Gazette, the Committee reaffirmed its recommendation that Queen's become a smoke-free environment after a transition period and that assistance be provided to smokers to help them stop. After review of the relevant material and the smoking policies of other universities in Canada, the following is the recommended policy on smoking at Queen's University. Policy Statement Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of preventable death and disability in Canada.
Medical evidence indicates that exposure to second-hand smoke can be hazardous to health.
To enable the University to fulfill its responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work environment for faculty, staff and students, it is necessary that policies be implemented to reduce involuntary exposure to harmful substances produced by smoking tobacco. This is in accordance with the will of the majority as expressed by a survey of faculty and staff members and a referendum vote by students. Therefore, effective 1 July 1988, smoking is prohibited in University buildings and facilities, including student residences, except for designated areas or private rooms where ventilation prevents others from being exposed to second-hand smoke. Areas in which smoking is permitted may be designated individually by Departments or, for public areas, by the Director of Environmental Health and Safety. To assist employees who wish to stop smoking, the University will sponsor smoking-cessation workshops.