New smoking policy brings changes to FSS facilities

News > New smoking policy brings changes to FSS facilities

New smoking policy brings changes to FSS facilities

Posted 10/16/2012 Updated 10/16/2012

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by Amy Lenahan
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Marketing and Entertainment

10/16/2012 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Smokers will find it harder to light up at U.S. Air Forces in Europe Services facilities in the New Year.

Over time, the Air Force has tightened its policies on tobacco use among military service members, aiming to improve health and boost readiness. The latest step in the tobacco use strategy is Air Force Instruction 40-102, published in March, which outlines where and when tobacco use is permitted.

One big change is that Force Support facilities will be prohibited from selling any type of tobacco product. After this regulation goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2013, tobacco users in USAFE will no longer be able to purchase cigars, cigarettes, or any form of tobacco from services locations such as officer and enlisted clubs, bowling centers or the golf course.

New restrictions apply to all installation force support and recreation facilities, including athletic complexes, golf courses and beaches. Under the new instruction, all tobacco use, including chewing tobacco, is restricted to Designated Tobacco Areas. Tobacco use outside of DTAs, including while walking to or from a DTA, is prohibited. Tobacco areas must be a minimum of 50 feet from building entrances, walkways and parking lots, and at least 100 feet from playgrounds. Smoking is also not allowed in lodging guest rooms, common areas or Temporary Lodging Facilities.

Besides controlling tobacco use, the new policy includes revisions focused on preventing and reducing tobacco use, such as cessation support programs, and community and medical intervention.

For more information about how the new AFI affects services facilities, please contact the basee force support squadron.

Comments

10/23/2012 3:37:51 AM ET
While they're at it they should ban combat operations driving cars fast food alcohol being fat and being born since all can cause death as well. computer high five for me

Yours truly...me, UK

10/22/2012 1:45:25 PM ET
SNCO Ret 89 so should we also stop selling alcohol

Juan, Germany

10/19/2012 8:56:04 AM ET
The USG should ban the sale of all tobacco products on any military installation or in any BX or PX. I understand years ago when we were not aware of the harm it was doing to our health but we are all educated now and should know better than to use tobacco products. However I am sure it is a method of making life shorter for some so the retirees don't last as long in retirement. Wake Up America. Grow and sell tobacco products for only Foreign use customers if you must dont allow your own to slowly kill themselves.

SNCO Ret 89, Ohio

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