Smokers at North Lake College are about to notice designated smoking areas on campus.
Effective March 1, North Lake will begin enforcing an Irving ordinance that went into effect Jan. 1, 2007. It bans smoking within 25 feet of doorways at public buildings and other gathering places, such as restaurants.
North Lake’s implementation of the ordinance was announced in an “operational memorandum,” which was approved by the President’s Team last semester, said Patricia Corbett, assistant to the North Lake president.
According to the memo, the purpose of the policy is to “give priority to a positive and healthy environment,” and to ensure compliance with Irving ordinance 8740.
Key points in the policy include a prohibition on smoking within 25 feet of all campus buildings and entrances as well as the establishment of designated smoking areas.
Other initiatives include smoking- cessation programs for students and staff, along with the establishment of a procedure to handle reports of violations.
The most signifi cant change in the policy is the administration’s selection of 11 sites around campus as designated smoking areas. The new smoking areas have been marked with signs that say smoking is permitted at those locations. Each area is equipped with new receptacles for cigarette butts.
As a result, North Lake’s police offi cers will be authorized to ensure compliance with the new policy. According to the memo released by college offi cials, repeat offenders could face disciplinary action by the college or be issued a City of Irving citation.