Smoking Prohibition Policy — 2025

Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University

Smoking Prohibition Policy

A University Campus Free from Tobacco Smoke and Aerosols from Electronic Cigarette Devices

Policy created: 2025 y.

Policy revised: 2026 y.

Turkistan, 2025

SMOKING PROHIBITION POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION

Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University prohibits smoking and the consumption of tobacco products and nicotine-containing products throughout its entire territory. This policy aims to protect the health of students, employees and visitors, prevent addiction, and establish a safe educational and working environment. The prohibition applies at all times, including outside academic hours, on weekends and during events. The requirements of this policy apply to all individuals regardless of their position, status or affiliation with the University.

2. OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES

The objectives of this policy are to protect individuals from exposure to tobacco smoke and aerosols emitted by electronic devices; prevent the initiation of tobacco and nicotine use; support smoking cessation; and reduce fire hazards and pollution of the campus caused by cigarette butts and electronic device waste.

The implementation of this policy is based on the principles of equal application of rules to everyone, accessibility of information, respect for human dignity, confidentiality of requests for assistance, and combining preventive measures with monitoring compliance with the prohibition.

3. LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND ALIGNMENT WITH THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

The legal basis for this policy is the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 7 July 2020 No. 360-VI ZRK, On Public Health and the Healthcare System, particularly Article 110 concerning the prevention and restriction of tobacco product consumption. This policy is implemented in accordance with the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the University's internal regulations.

The University also takes into account Article 8 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and recommendations on protection from exposure to tobacco smoke. This policy supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), Good Health and Well-being, particularly Target 3.a, which aims to strengthen the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

4. SCOPE OF APPLICATION

This policy is mandatory for all students, academic staff, administrative and support personnel, invited specialists, tenants, contractors, suppliers, event participants and other visitors.

The prohibition applies to academic and administrative buildings, laboratories, libraries, student residences, cafeterias, clinical and sports facilities, cultural spaces and all other indoor premises of the University; outdoor areas, including entrances, courtyards, pathways, parking lots, sports grounds and the botanical garden; facilities owned by or legally used by the University within its authority; and official vehicles.

5. PROHIBITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

5.1. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes and other tobacco products, as well as using hookahs and heated tobacco systems, is prohibited. The use of electronic cigarettes, vapes and similar devices is also prohibited, regardless of whether the liquid contains nicotine. The consumption of smokeless tobacco products and other nicotine-containing products is likewise prohibited.

5.2. No smoking rooms, booths or designated smoking areas shall be established on the University's premises. Open windows, functioning ventilation systems, the absence of other people or the organization of an event by an external organization shall not constitute grounds for exemption from the prohibition.

5.3. The sale, free distribution, advertising and promotion of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, as well as devices intended for their consumption, are prohibited on University premises. Sponsorship of University events aimed at promoting such products is not permitted.

5.4. Registered medicinal products intended for the treatment of nicotine dependence, used in accordance with a medical professional's prescription or recommendation and their instructions for use, are not considered prohibited products under this policy.

 6. INFORMATION AND SUPPORT FOR TOBACCO CESSATION

6.1. The responsible departments shall ensure that this policy is published on the official website, that its requirements are communicated to employees and students during recruitment and admission procedures, and that visitors, tenants and contractors are informed accordingly. The obligation to comply with the prohibition shall be included in contracts and event regulations.

6.2. Signs prohibiting smoking and the use of electronic cigarette devices shall be placed at entrances and in clearly visible locations. The content of mandatory warning signs must comply with the applicable requirements of current legislation.

6.3. Medical and psychological support units shall organize awareness-raising activities regarding the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine, provide counselling services and, where necessary, refer individuals to specialized medical institutions. Seeking assistance is voluntary and confidential. Nicotine dependence shall not constitute grounds for restricting access to support services or educational opportunities.

7. RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENTS

The University management shall provide the organizational conditions necessary for implementing this policy. Heads of departments and deans shall communicate its requirements to employees and students, while the administration of student residences shall inform residents and visitors. The Security Service and administrative support departments shall monitor compliance with the prohibition, ensure the placement of appropriate signs and eliminate conditions that may contribute to violations. Medical and psychological support units shall be responsible for preventive activities and providing assistance with smoking cessation. The Research Center for Sustainable Development shall coordinate monitoring activities and the preparation of proposals for reviewing the policy. Specific responsible persons and their respective authorities shall be determined by the relevant University regulations.

8. REPORTING AND RESPONSE TO VIOLATIONS

8.1. Violations of this policy may be reported through the University's official communication channels to the Security Service, student residence administration or the head of the relevant department. Current reporting channels shall be published on the University's website and information boards together with this policy.

8.2. An authorized employee shall explain the rules and require the violation to cease. Where necessary, the circumstances shall be documented and the notification forwarded to the responsible department. Responses shall be handled respectfully, without public humiliation or unjustified disclosure of personal data. Retaliation against individuals who report violations in good faith is prohibited.

8.3. Measures concerning employees and students shall be applied in accordance with the procedures established by legislation and the University's internal regulations, ensuring the opportunity to provide an explanation. Established access rules and contractual measures shall apply to visitors, tenants and contractors.

Administrative fines may only be imposed by authorized government bodies. The University shall not introduce its own monetary penalties.

 9. MONITORING AND REVIEW

9.1. The responsible departments shall assess compliance with the prohibition at least once a year, including the availability of informational signs, the number of reports and repeated violations, the implementation of preventive activities and the accessibility of support services. The findings shall be compiled without disclosing personal medical information.

9.2. This policy shall be reviewed at least once every three years, as well as in the event of changes in legislation or when the need to improve its implementation is identified. Amendments shall be approved in accordance with the procedures established by the University. The review year shall only be updated after the revised version has been formally approved.

10. FINAL PROVISIONS

This policy shall enter into force on the date specified in the approving act and shall be published on the University's official website. All departments and individuals covered by this policy are required to comply with its provisions. The dates of preparation and review shall be indicated on the basis of the relevant approval documents.

        11. REGULATORY AND METHODOLOGICAL REFERENCES

Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan On Public Health and the Healthcare System, Article 110: https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2000000360

WHO. Measures for the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Article 8:https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/tobacco-control/implementing/measures