Opinion: Too Much Smoke in Ohio
They are rampant at Ohio University. Cigarette smokers are everywhere: outside Bentley Hall, Baker Center, and on College Green. There is not a day where someone can avoid seeing a cigarette being lit, smoke in the air or ashtrays on tables in restaurants. Cigarette companies are having a blast seeing their product being used on this college campus. However, not all students are excited seeing the cigarette smoke outside their dorm window or smelling it before going to class. Compared to other places across the nation, Ohio University is pretty laid back on smoking. The state of Ohio is even laid back. Take a look at how taxes are.State governments are increasing the cigarette tax all across the country to try and curb usage. In some states, it is working very well. In Illinois, cigarettes cost almost $10 a pack. In this economy, that is a dent in the wallet. Not only is there a large tax per pack, but there have also been smoking laws put into place. Smoking has decreased in Illinois, especially in Chicago, because of this.Compare this to Ohio. The average pack of cigarettes costs about $6 here. That is a $4 difference and only one state away. Illinois is ranked 16th of the states that are strict on cigarettes where as Ohio is ranked 28th as of January 2013, according to the Federation of Tax Administration. This is shown on campuses.In OU’s handbook, the smoking policy states: “Ohio University prohibits smoking in all Ohio University buildings; on apartment rooftops and terraces; in public buildings directly or indirectly under the control of Ohio University; and within 10 feet of University buildings, including windows and ventilation intake openings.” However, this is rarely enforced across campus.Compare this to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In their handbook, the smoking policy states: “smoking of any material is prohibited in all facilities of the Urbana-Champaign campus, including campus-owned or leased vehicles, with the exception of designated smoking permitted overnight guest rooms.” UIUC also has to cooperate with state law, which states that smoking is not allowed in any state building and all smoking must be done at least 25 feet away from any window or door of a building. Both are enforced heavily on campus. This law has made UIUC an almost smoke-free campus.Why has OU ignored this issue? Smoking cigarettes is not a habit that should be picked up by young people. With all the health risks and warnings put on cigarette packs, seen on television and posted on billboards, one would think that cigarette smoking is no longer an issue. OU needs to address this issue of cigarettes on campus. Not everyone wants to smell like cigarettes when they walk into class or eat at a restaurant.OU should take a look at University of Illinois’s policy and also at the state law. Sometimes being that strict can work. Enforcement is lacking on OU’s campus. The policy in place now could work as a baby step if it were enforced. People, including this writer, are sick and tired of smelling cigarettes all over campus. Work to make this a smoke-free campus and, eventually, cigarette-free.