A.
The City of Oswego Common Council finds
that scientific studies have proven that cigarette smoking, cigar
smoking or the smoking of other tobacco products causes chronic lung
disease, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer of the lungs, larynx,
esophagus, mouth, bladder and contributes to cancer of the cervix,
pancreas and kidneys. More than 440,000 people die in the United States
from tobacco-related diseases every year, making it the nation's leading
cause of preventable illness. Furthermore, a number of studies have
indicated that exposure to outdoor tobacco smoke is similar to the
levels of exposure to indoor levels of secondhand smoke. The United
States Environmental Protection Agency has found secondhand smoke
to be a risk to public health and has classified secondhand smoke
as a Group A carcinogen. Exposure to secondhand smoke is the third
leading cause of preventable death in this country. In addition to
the health impact, outdoor smoking results in significant amount of
litter from cigarettes, cigarette filters, tobacco packaging and wrappers,
which can be costly to both the environment and municipalities.
B.
The City of Oswego Common Council further
finds that smoking in outdoor public areas makes it difficult to pass
through because of individuals smoking and the clouds of smoke that
fill the air. It has become unsightly as cigarette butts, filters,
and tobacco packaging are thrown on the ground, causing a litter problem
in public areas.
As used in this article, the following
terms shall have the meanings indicated:
The act of engaging in the smoking of tobacco, generally
by cigarette, cigar, or pipe. For the purpose of this article, vaping
shall be synonymous with "smoking."
To inhale and exhale vapor of any substance from an e-cigarette
or a similar electronic device.
Smoking is prohibited throughout
the City facilities and in any City offices.
Smoking is prohibited in any indoor
enclosed work area. The rights of a nonsmoker to a smoke-free work
area shall prevail.
Conflicts should be brought to the
attention of the appropriate supervisory personnel. Employees may
also file a formal complaint with the Oswego County Health Department,
which has the sole jurisdiction to enforce the new law on a county-wide
basis.
Copies of these rules will be posted
and distributed to all departments, employees and to all prospective
employees upon request.
This policy may be amended from time
to time by resolution of the City of Oswego. All amendments shall
be in conformance with New York State law, and employees will be notified
accordingly.
