Oklahoma state agencies and property will be tobacco free from today under an executive order that bans use of all tobacco products but does not impose penalties.

Issued by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, the executive order tightens existing regulations prohibiting smoking in public places and in state-owned vehicles by eliminating designated smoking areas. The dangers of second-hand smoke and overall negative impact on public health are reasons for the comprehensive ban,  Fallin said in the order issued 6 Feb.
“Use of any tobacco product shall be prohibited on any and all properties owned, leased or contracted for use by the state of Oklahoma, including but not limited to all buildings, land and vehicles owned, leased or contracted for use by agencies or instrumentalities of the state of Oklahoma,” the order says. (ci)