The first stage of a widespread smoking ban has been rolled out in federal prisons.

As of 6 May, smoking is banned on all property at maximum-security prisons, including the yards. This essentially means prisoners will not be allowed to smoke at all while serving time, as there will be nowhere for them to light up.
On 20 May the smoking ban will be extended to medium-security facilities, and at minimum-security facilities starting on 2 June.
Inmates say they fear the ban will put prisoners on edge.
The ban is being implemented to protect prisoners, staff and visitors from exposure to second-hand smoke. The new rules expand on a partial ban implemented in January 2006, which made it against the rules to smoke in cells and other indoor areas at federal prisons. (ci)