Jun 14 2024

To All Students, Faculty, and Staff of Niigata University
To All Persons Entering the University Premises

Regarding the campus-wide smoking ban and consideration for preventing secondhand smoke around the campus

Niigata University has enforced a complete smoking ban on campus since April 1, 2013, in order to promote the health of smokers and prevent health issues caused by secondhand smoke among non-smokers.

Additionally, a partial amendment to the Health Promotion Act (健康増進法), which came into effect on July 1, 2019, stipulates that designated facilities such as universities and hospitals must pay special attention to protecting children and patients from secondhand smoke. As a general rule, smoking is prohibited on the premises of such facilities.

Despite these measures, the university continues to receive repeated complaints regarding smoking on the streets around the campus, including smoke and odor as well as littering of cigarette butts, which has caused inconvenience to nearby residents.

The streets around the campus are public spaces used not only by our students and staff but also by local residents and schoolchildren from nearby schools. Street smoking poses risks such as unwanted secondhand smoke, burns from contact, and potential fire hazards from littering. We kindly ask for your consideration to avoid causing discomfort or harm to others.

We request the understanding and cooperation of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the university in respecting these policies.