Wilmington, NC News

Downtown Wilmington is a little more crowded than it has been recently as students have returned for the fall to Cape Fear Community College. The difference this semester – a new ban on smoking on campus. This means no smoking on school grounds, indoors or out. But, like any law, there are some loopholes.

The new smoking ban at Cape Fear Community College does apply to all of the campus, but not to the city sidewalks where it is still fair game for smoking. Step onto the campus’ red bricks though, and that is where you are not allowed anymore to smoke.

“I think it’s kind of stupid being that you can’t smoke on campus, but if you go right across the street you can,” said CFCC student Joseph Hunter. “I mean it’s really not effective. I think if its going to be smoke free, the whole downtown should be smoke free.”

College officials are pleased with the policy so far.

“It’s been very positive. There was a person this morning that maybe didn’t see the sign or something and I said hey, just to let you know we’re smoke free and he said ok and moved aside to the sidewalk,” mentioned CFCC Public Information Officer David Hardin. “People have been very accommodating so far, and that’s good to see.”

Pamela Rivenbark said this new plan is a breath of fresh air. “I love it. I love it because for a person that has asthma or allergies like me, it’s going to help me out. I can breathe better!”

Eighteen of the fifty-eight community colleges in North Carolina are now smoke free. CFCC is using grant money to provide nicotine patches and gum, hoping to help students kick the habit.