Smoke Free Violations

Introduction

Liberty Towers, a property of the Newton Housing Authority has a no smoking policy in accordance with the rules and regulations implemented by the U.S. Department of Housing and Human Services (HUD) effective July 31, 2018. According to the Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Additionally, third hand smoke, the toxins from tobacco smoke that stick to soft surfaces such as carpets, curtains and clothing pose a continued risk to people exposed to these toxins. In a multi-unit housing setting, secondhand smoke can drift from one unit to another through windows, doorways, and vents. A smoke-free housing policy protects everyone’s health but also reduces the risk of fire and lowers building upkeep and cleaning costs.

Policy

Liberty Towers is a smoke-free building. There is no smoking permitted anywhere inside the building including individual dwelling units of residents, lobby, hallways and other common rooms and spaces in the building. The no smoking policy allows for a designated smoking area that shall be twenty-five feet from the building, and its entryways. This policy prohibits smoking which includes the inhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other lighted or heated tobacco, nicotine, or plant product intended for inhalation, including hookah and marijuana, whether natural or synthetic and electronic smoking devices and is in compliance with the HUD ruling effective July 31, 2018 and the NJ Smoke Free Air Act N.J.S.A. 26:3 D-55. This policy applies to all residents and employees as well as guests and vendors visiting the building. Those seeking free tobacco cessation can call the NJ Quitline at 1866-NJ-STOPS or visit tobaccofreenj.com for other free cessation resources.