Governance and Leadership
SDG 3: Focus Areas
3.3.6 Smoke-free policy
Smoke-Free Campus Policy
- General Definitions
| University of Bahrain | University |
| Smoking | Any behavior involving the use, consumption, or inhalation of any tobacco or nicotine product, whether smoked or unsmoked, traditional or electronic. |
| Tobacco and Nicotine Products | Substances containing tobacco or nicotine in any form, including electronic or heated devices, such as cigarettes, vapes, cigars, hookahs, electronic cigarettes, or any other substance containing tobacco or nicotine. |
| University Premises | All locations, buildings, and facilities, whether located inside or outside the university campus. |
- Policy Objective
This policy ensures full compliance with the Anti-Smoking and Tobacco Law of all types in the Kingdom of Bahrain (Law No. 8 of 2009) and supports the University’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting a healthy, smoke-free environment for all students, staff, and visitors, and prohibiting the consumption, distribution, and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products across all University premises.
- Policy Scope
This policy applies to all individuals on University premises, including: faculty members and administrative staff, students, workers of contracting companies engaged by the University and service providers, and visitors.
- Policy Content
- Comprehensive Ban: The University is committed to prohibiting all forms of smoking across all University premises to ensure a smoke-free environment. This includes indoor areas (classrooms, offices, laboratories, etc.) and outdoor areas (building entrances/exits, courtyards, sports fields, and University vehicles), with the exception of designated smoking areas.
- Awareness and Support: The University is committed to implementing health awareness and anti-smoking campaigns and providing support to help smokers quit.
- Compliance and Enforcement: The University’s Security and Safety Department, along with the Health and Safety Committee, are responsible for monitoring compliance with the smoking ban provisions across University premises.
- Roles and Responsibilities
- University Council: Approves the policy.
- General Manager of Administrative Services: Is responsible for ensuring this policy aligns with national public health laws and the requirements of sustainability and institutional impact indicators (THE Sustainability Impact Ratings).
- Health and Safety Committee: Is responsible for raising awareness about the harms of smoking, investigating complaints related to this policy, providing health support, and preparing compliance reports for this policy.
- University Security and Safety Department: Is responsible for field monitoring, immediate enforcement, documenting incident records, and initial reporting of violations.
- Deanship of Student Affairs: Is responsible for awareness-raising, encouraging smoking cessation, and disseminating awareness of the provisions of this policy.
- Policy Procedures
6.1 Smoking Cessation Support and Awareness: The University prominently displays “No Smoking” signs. Smokers are encouraged to visit national smoking cessation clinics. Educational lectures on the health hazards of smoking are provided.
6.2 Reporting Violations: The University Security and Safety Department records incidents and refers them to the competent authority.
6.3 Investigation and Disciplinary Measures: Any individual who violates the provisions of this policy shall be held accountable according to applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and shall be subject to disciplinary penalties stipulated in the University’s regulations and bylaws, based on their status (administrative staff, academic staff, student, or campus visitor).
6.4 Monitoring and Reporting: The Health and Safety Committee prepares periodic reports regarding the implementation of the policy’s provisions. The University publishes an annual summary regarding the implementation of this policy’s provisions within the University’s Sustainability Report.
- Contact and Information
For further assistance regarding the implementation of this procedure, related inquiries may be directed to the (General Manager of Administrative Services):
Email: dgas@uob.edu.bh
