JCU Smoke-free Campus Policy

Intent

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

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 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.

Smoking is the inhalation and exhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco, herbs or drugs. It includes the use of cigarettes and other tobacco related products (herbal cigarettes and electronic cigarettes), or other devices used for similar purpose.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, e-cigars, vapour pens or a personal vaporiser) are any device used for the inhalation of the vapour.

Policy

Prohibition on Smoking

Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited on all JCU premises, including vehicles and boats.

Temporary exception is provided to the on-campus residential colleges in Townsville until 31/12/18. Designated smoking sites on the residential accommodation properties have been identified and are for use by resident students only, up until 31/12/2018.

Exemption is provided to the JCU Unibar based on the Townsville Campus. This exemption forms part of its commercial licence of operation, and subsequent eligibility to provide a Designated Outdoor Smoking Area (DOSA) under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998.  The DOSA must comply with the requirements under the Tobacco Act, including the placement of signage stating that consumption of food in this area is not permitted. The DOSA is only able to be used while the Unibar is open and in operation. The DOSA is not able to be used when the Unibar is closed.

University employees are entitled to take breaks from work in accordance with relevant University agreements including the JCU Enterprise Agreement and the Optional Working Hours System.

Compliance

Where an individual is found on JCU premises to be smoking, they will be asked to cease smoking, and will be advised of the requirement to comply with this policy.

Staff and members of the University community who repeatedly breach this policy may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the JCU Staff Code of Conduct and related policies.

Students who repeatedly breach this policy may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the JCU Student Code of Conduct and related policies.

Contractors who repeatedly breach this policy may be asked to leave the University premises and may be subject to a breach of contract.

Visitors who repeatedly breach this policy after being warned not to smoke, may be asked to leave University premises by campus security.

Related Resources

Smoke-free JCU Webpage

Administration

Approval Details

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

Revision History

Approval date - the date the relevant approval authority approved the establishment, minor or major amendment or disestablishment

Implementation Date - the date the policy was published in the Policy Library and is the date the policy takes effect