No Smoking Policy
No Smoking Policy
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The University of Glasgow is committed to promoting health and wellbeing at work and to providing a safe, healthy environment for all staff, students and visitors. To support this, the University operates a strict no‑smoking policy. Smoking or vaping of any tobacco or nicotine‑containing products — including e‑cigarettes and vapes — is not permitted inside any University buildings or vehicles. This aligns with Scottish legislation regulating both tobacco and nicotine‑vapour products.
Smoking remains one of Scotland’s most significant public‑health challenges. Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable illness and early death, and the Scottish Government continues to highlight tobacco use as a major driver of premature mortality. Current national policy aims for a tobacco‑free Scotland by 2034, supported by measures to reduce smoking rates and address the rise in youth vaping.
In Scotland, smoking in enclosed public places has been prohibited since 2006. It is an offence to smoke on no‑smoking premises or to permit smoking on such premises. E‑cigarettes and vaping products are also regulated under Scottish and UK law, including restrictions on sale, advertising and use.
Position Statement
Smoking is not permitted in any University building or vehicle. The University’s definition of smoking extends beyond traditional cigarettes to also cover e-cigarettes, which are also not permitted to be smoked in any University building or vehicle. For the avoidance of doubt, e-cigarettes include personal vaporizers and electronic nicotine delivery systems.
Anyone wishing to smoke is asked to be mindful of others and to make every effort to eliminate or minimise the risk of passive smoking. Individuals should not smoke near doorways, open windows, air intakes and high pedestrian traffic areas/thoroughfares.
Scope
This policy applies to all staff, students, visitors and contractors and will be applied fairly and uniformly throughout all University locations.
Implementation
Where an employee observes a colleague, student, visitor or contractor breaching this policy they should politely approach the individual (if they feel comfortable in doing so) in the first instance to remind them of the University’s no smoking policy.
Any refusal to stop is unacceptable and should be reported to an appropriate manager for further action and direction as appropriate. This may involve notifying the relevant Head of School/Service.
Failure to conform to the requirements of the policy by smoking on University premises or refusing to stop when requested will lead to consideration of disciplinary action under the appropriate procedures for staff and students.
A contractor or visitor who refuses to stop smoking will be required to leave the premises. If necessary, support may be sought from security staff to assist in enforcing this policy.
Compliance with the national legislation and the University's policy must be managed on a local basis. Those responsible for designated areas and groups are required to co-operate in implementing the policy in the area for which they have responsibility.
Support for Smoking Cessation
As part of its commitment to promoting health and wellbeing at work the University is keen to encourage those who wish to stop smoking.
The following sources of support are available for smokers who want to stop:
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Quit Your Way
- ASH (Action on Smoking and Health)
- British Heart Foundation - www.bhf.org.uk/Smoking
- National No Smoking Day - www.nosmokingday.org.uk
Document Control
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Document Control |
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Policy name |
No Smoking Policy |
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Last reviewed |
13 March 2026 |
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Owner |
People & OD, Policy & Employee Relations |