(A)
In the interest of providing a safe and healthy environment for employees and the public, and in accordance with the South Carolina Clean Indoor Act of 1990, the following smoking policy has been adopted: Smoking (defined as the “act of lighting, smoking or carrying a lighted or smoldering cigar, cigarette or pipe of any kind”) is prohibited throughout all York County facilities or buildings or vehicles occupied by York County employees. Vaping is included in this prohibition and refers to the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems or electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-hookahs, and e-cigar. County facilities include county owned properties, leased properties, elevators, courtrooms, restrooms, or facilities in which company-sponsored offsite conferences and meetings are held. This policy applies to all York County employees, visitors, temporary employees, student interns, contractors, consultants and/or their employees working on York County premises.
(B) The success of this policy will depend upon the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. All employees share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy.
(C) Employees who violate this policy will be subject to discipline in the same manner and magnitude as violation of other county policies. This policy recognizes “free choice” in the matter of smoking; however, it recognizes a more fundamental right of non-smokers to breathe clean air.
(D) For employees who desire to stop smoking, smoking education and cessation programs are available through the county health insurance plans, through the Employee Assistance Program and through other organizations such as the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association.
(Ord. 2501, passed 7-16-01; Am. Ord. 1214, passed 5-5-14; Am. Ord. 2019, passed 6-3-19)