SPENCER, N.Y. — The Village of Spencer board has approved a policy designating all municipal grounds as 100% smoke-free. The policy, which was passed in early September, prohibits the use of all tobacco products, cannabis, and vape devices on village-owned properties, including playgrounds and sports fields.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is no safe level of secondhand smoke, which contains over 7,000 harmful chemicals, including those known to cause cancer. A tobacco survey revealed that 65% of Tioga County residents are in favor of the smoke-free policy.
The village worked with the Tobacco-Free Broome and Tioga program to revise its previous smoke-free regulations, making them more comprehensive. Supervising Public Health Educator Nikole Hurlbert stated that the policy is essential for protecting community members, particularly in areas frequented by families and children.
“We want to make sure that we’re being mindful of not smoking around other people,” she said.