BUTLER TWP — The Butler County Community College on Wednesday took one more step to becoming a tobacco free campus next month.

The college board of directors approved an ordinance that prohibits possession and use of tobacco on any of the three campus sites or in any vehicle owned or leased by the college. The ordinance also establishes penalties, including fines, for violations.

The policy is effective July 1.

The board in October decided to make the change so that the college would be in line with policies of Butler County and state universities such as Slippery Rock University.

President Nick Neupauer said he told staff and students of the impending change soon after the October decision. The college has worked to provide smoking cessation resources.

He said there were questions from students about the policy change, but he's also heard positive outcomes. He hasn't heard negative feedback from staff.

The state Labor Relations Board recently overturned a policy at state universities that prevented anyone, including faculty, from smoking.

The BC3 ordinance approved Wednesday drew some questions from board members about why it is necessary to prohibit possession of tobacco.

"How does possession hurt anyone?" member Dick Rittelmann asked.

The board said it relied on the advice of its solicitor for the wording of the policy.

Neupauer said while the policy will be enforced by campus police, he will remind anyone he sees violating the policy that tobacco is not permitted and expects faculty to do the same.