Oxford Brookes University is designated a “No Smoking” area and any provision for smokers is concessionary and in general without risk to non-smokers. This policy also applies to all forms of vaping and e-cigarettes in the same way.
The purpose of this non-smoking policy is to protect all staff, students, contractors and visitors to the University from the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke and other by-products of smoking and vaping, to comply with the Smoke Free Regulations 2007, and support those who wish to give up, but also make appropriate provision for those who smoke or vape.
This policy applies to:
- All premises owned, managed, occupied by, or otherwise under the control of Oxford Brookes University, including student residences.
- All staff, students, contractors and visitors to Oxford Brookes University.
- All university vehicles.
The University treats the use of electronic devices such as e-cigarettes and vaporisers in the same way as smoking tobacco or other substances (see below).
- All buildings and enclosed vehicles of the University are non-smoking.
- Non-smoking areas include a 5-metre area outside building entrances and windows and any other area where a ‘no smoking’ sign is displayed.
- Any smoking breaks taken are unpaid and only taken with agreement by the line manager and will not be unreasonably withheld.
- Cigarette ends must be extinguished and placed in the bins provided around the campus.
- Smoking is not permitted in the Halls of Residence across the University.
We acknowledge that some staff, students, contractors or visitors may wish to make use of electronic cigarettes ("e-cigarettes") or vaporisers whilst on campus, including as an aid to giving up smoking.
Although they fall outside the scope of smoke-free legislation, we prohibit the use of e-cigarettes and vaporisers in University buildings. Our rationale for this ban is that:
although they do not produce smoke, e-cigarettes and vaporisers produce a vapour that could provide an annoyance or health risk to other employees;
some e-cigarette and vaporiser models can, particularly from a distance, look like real cigarettes, making a smoking ban difficult to police, and creating an impression that it is acceptable to smoke;
In addition, the cloud of vape may activate smoke detectors and trigger fire alarm systems.
Advice is available from the Occupational Health Department for any members of staff who would like to get help in giving up smoking. Guidance and useful links can also be found via the Employee Assistance Programme.
Students and others who may like to get help in giving up smoking, may find the following support links useful:
Download the official Oxford Brookes University no smoking notices (pdf) to display in office windows and doorways.
Updated March 2023
