COLLEGE PREPARES FOR SMOKING BAN

Iowa Lakes Community College is preparing for the new Iowa “No Smoking” law effective July 1.

Iowa Lakes buildings have been tobacco free for many years; however this legislation expands the coverage of prohibited smoking areas. The smoking ban will affect students, visitors, faculty and staff.

The Iowa Department of Health ‘draft document’ of how the rules will be enforced was released Monday, June 2.

A revision of the current college policy will be presented to the Board of Trustees of the college at their next meeting Tuesday, June 24, in Spencer.

“Iowa Lakes will enforce the new regulations,” said Val Newhouse, Executive Vice President of Iowa Lakes. “While we can’t be everywhere, we’re going to count on our staff to assist us to stay within the law.”

Any violators may receive a citation and civil fine of $50 from a law enforcement official. It will also cost the college.

“Failure on our part to enforce this state law will result in a $100 fine to the college for the first offense, $200 fine for the second offense, and $500 for each additional offense,” Newhouse said.

Delaine Hiney, Executive Director of Facilities Management, will secure new ‘no smoking’ signs which list a phone number and Web site where complainants may file a formal complaint, if they spot a violation.

For additional information visit the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Web site on the Smokefree Air Act at www.IowaSmokefreeAir.gov.