Georgia Regents give initial approval to campus tobacco ban; final vote expected Wednesday

The state Board of Regents, meeting as a full committee, on Tuesday unanimously approved a tobacco ban for all 31 public colleges and universities in the University System of Georgia.

The board will take a final vote on the ban Wednesday.

The ban covers all types of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes. The ban would take effect Oct. 1, and it covers all areas owned, leased or used in any way by the University System, including parking lots.

Individual campus presidents will be responsible for enforcing the ban and defining any exemptions to the policy.