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Towson University Is Now Smoke-Free

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- A smoking ban on Towson University's campus was designed to clear the air for students and visitors. 

Gigi Barnett has more.

Since the beginning of the school year, Towson University has been smoke-free.  The university says the ban is a public health issue and is also designed to clean up the campus.

"Frankly between walking anywhere on campus or running into smoke [or] the litter left behind...this new policy addresses all of that," said Towson Assistant Vice President Jerry Dieringer.

Students can still light up near campus on county-owned sidewalks, but some students say the puffs of smoke still linger.

"I've seen more smokers now because they all have to congregate toward one specific area," said one student.  "What they wanted was for people to not walk through clouds of smoke.  It's still happening."

With more than 21,000 students, Towson is the state's second-largest university.  In recent months, the university has passed out warnings and fines.  The university says the majority of students want the ban to stick.

"I know it's difficult for some people to get along with that," said a student.  "But it's looking out for people's health."

Students caught smoking on campus may receive a $75 fine.  The university will use that money for "no smoking" signs.

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