N.J. mulling completely tobacco-free colleges

All tobacco products would be banned everywhere on college campuses in New Jersey if a bill being considered by state lawmakers becomes law.

 

Ethan Hasbrouck with the American Cancer Society says the ban would help prevent health problems.

“Besides reducing exposure to second hand smoke, smoke and tobacco free campus policies reduce the initiation of tobacco use among young people and assist youth and adults who are trying to quit tobacco use,” said Hasbrouck.

A spokesman for Rutgers, James Boyd, says the ban would be difficult to enforce.

“We have the football games and tailgating and stuff and to enforce on those grounds to walk through and try to get people to stop smoking cigars or whatever during a tailgate,” he said.

The ban would apply to chewing tobacco as well.  Supporters, including Assemblywoman Connie Wagner, say people who use it sometimes spit it out on walkways.

“It’s disgusting looking. To tell you the truth this is also matter of keeping the college campus clean,” said Wagner.