UNLV To Become Smoke-Free, Vape-Free And Tobacco-Free

LAS VEGAS, NV — The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is saying goodbye to vape pens, cigarettes, hookahs, pipes, snuff and chew.

UNLV said Friday it will become a smoke-free campus Aug. 15, joining roughly 2,000 other universities across the country.

The policy applies to all students, staff and faculty on all university properties, including Maryland Parkway, Shadow Lane and Paradise campuses, as well as the Thomas & Mack Center, the home of the Runnin' Rebels, and all its other buildings in the state.

“This policy is long overdue, and we are proud that it will finally go into effect,” Shawn Gerstenberger, dean of public health, said in a statement. “We are grateful for the support of UNLV leadership and our community partners, and we are confident that this is a step in the right direction to providing a cleaner and healthier living, learning and working environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.”

The university's policy committee approved the policy in September. It bans all forms of smoking, tobacco, marijuana and unregulated nicotine products such as cigarettes, cigars — commercially or self-rolled — pipes, hookahs, water pipes, electronic cigarettes, vape pens, bidis, kreteks, snuff, snus and chew.

UNLV said it will not require that people quit smoking or using tobacco products, but pledged to support those who wish to do so.

Gerstenberger said becoming a smoke-free, vape-free, and tobacco-free campus protects people at UNLV from unwanted exposure to tobacco and passive smoke.

"It will also establish a supportive atmosphere for those trying to quit tobacco, and create a culture of wellness for the campus community," he said.

The university's website said exemptions could apply for cultural and religious practices that include using tobacco or marijuana.

Violators could face a verbal warning or written documentation of violations of university policy for employees and students.