Tobacco Policy

SHERMAN FREE LIBRARY TOBACCO-FREE  POLICY

Sherman Free Library is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace and to promote the health and well-being of its employees.    The Library recognizes the hazards caused by tobacco use and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke.   Our policy is to provide a tobacco-free environment for all employees and visitors.    This policy covers the smoking of any tobacco product and the use of oral tobacco products, “spit” tobacco, e-cigarettes, e-pipes, and e-cigars.

Policy

It is the policy of Sherman Free Library to prohibit smoking and vaping on the Library premises, including within the building and on the grounds.    Smoking is defined as the “act of lighting, smoking or carrying a lighted or smoldering cigar, cigarette or pipe of any kind”.    Vaping  refers to the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems or electronic smoking devices, such as e-cigarettes, e-pipes and e-cigars.

Scope

This policy applies to 

• all areas of the library building

• on the library grounds, within 100 feet of the entrance, exit, or outdoor areas of the library.  The provisions of this policy do not apply to smoking in a residence or within the real property boundary lines of such residential property.

• all library employees

• all visitors to the library, including patrons, volunteers and vendors

• all contractors and consultants and their employees working on library premises

Compliance

The library will prominently post signage where smoking is prohibited, including outside of each door of the building located within  100 feet of the restricted perimeter.

Individuals smoking within 100 feet of the restricted perimeter are in violation of the law.   Persons in violation of the law, including library employees , may be subject to civil penalties.    

The Director of the library or their designee will be responsible for informing visitors to the library building or perimeter  when they are in violation of the law.