Smoke-free Campus Policy

Intent

The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate James Cook University’s (JCU, the University) commitment to providing a safe, supportive and healthy environment, as is reasonably practicable through implementing a smoke-free environment.

This policy addresses Higher Education Standards Framework standard 2.3.4: Learning Environment; Wellbeing and Safety.

Scope

This policy applies to all members of JCU Council, Staff, Students, Affiliates, Visitors and Contractors, and to all JCU premises located in Australia.

Definitions

Affiliate - is a person (other than a Staff member or Student) who is affiliated with JCU by letter of appointment or invitation to work, research or study at the University for a particular activity and for a prescribed timeframe and who is bound to comply with the University’s policies during that period.

JCU Premises - Any indoor and outdoor property owned by, under the control of or managed by, the University or a subsidiary or affiliate of the University. This includes all Australian campuses, Controlled Entities, buildings, research facilities, residential facilities, sporting arenas, properties, vehicles and boats.

Personal vaporisers - also known as electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, vaping products; are any device used for the inhalation of vapour.

Smoking - is the inhalation and exhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco, herbs or drugs. It includes the use of cigarettes and other tobacco or smoking related products such as herbal cigarettes and electronic cigarettes/personal vaporisers, or other devices used for similar purpose.

Vaping - the inhalation of vapour through personal vaporiser.

Policy

1. Prohibition on Smoking

1.1 Smoking and vaping are prohibited on all JCU premises, including in private vehicles on University premises.

1.2 Exemption is provided to the JCU Unibar based on the Bebegu Yumba Campus, Townsville, whilst the proprietor holds a valid liquor licence granted by the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation. The provision of a smoking area is permitted but must comply with the requirements set out in the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 (The Act), and any amendments to The Act subsequent to this Policy. No smoking is permitted in the ‘smoking only area’ when the JCU Unibar is closed.

2. Compliance

2.1 JCU will adopt an educative approach to compliance with this policy. Information about the smoke-free campus is provided to new students, as well as to staff, affiliates and contractors through their inductions.

2.2 Repeated breaches of this policy by Staff, Students or Council Members may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the relevant Code of Conduct.

2.3 Visitors who repeatedly breach this policy after being informed of the smoke-free campus requirement, may be asked to leave JCU premises by campus security.

2.4 University staff that engage contractors must ensure their adherence to the policy. Contractors who repeatedly breach this policy may be asked to leave JCU premises and may be subject to breach of contract.

Related Policy Instruments

Staff Code of Conduct

Student Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct – University Council

Schedules/Appendices

Nil

Related Documents and Legislation

Smoke-free JCU Webpage

Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 (Qld)

Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Amendment Bill 2023 (Qld)

Administration

Approval Details

NOTE: Printed copies of this policy are uncontrolled, and currency can only be assured at the time of printing.

Revision History