ALBANY, N.Y. - Fifteen shopping malls in New York State and Massachusetts, including Crossgates Mall and Aviation Mall, are going 100 percent tobacco-free starting May 31st.
The properties are owned and operated by Pyramid Management Group, LCC, who announced the new policy decision on Tuesday stating that "Pyramid has been working with regional tobacco control partnerships funded by the NYS Tobacco Control Program and the American Cancer Society on implementation of the new policy."
The tobacco-free policy includes any and all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and any similar substances or instruments that are lit or burning such as electronic cigarettes.
This tobacco-free policy is inclusive of entire properties, both inside and outside, including all entry points, hallways, sidewalks, loading dock areas, parking lots and construction areas. It applies to all mall associates, tenant employees, vendors, delivery people, contractors, subcontractors and shoppers.
Pyramid will be providing opportunities for mall employees to obtain smoking cessation information and counseling. Signage provided by the local tobacco control coalitions will be posted around mall property to alert employees and shoppers about the new policy.
"We strongly believe this new policy will not only support our employees and guests who are sensitive to secondhand smoke or are trying to quit smoking, but it also will provide a more enjoyable and healthier shopping experience to the millions of visitors who come through our doors each year," said James L. Soos, Director of Asset Management, Pyramid Management Group.
In addition to Crossgates Mall, other New York State malls covered by the new tobacco-free policy will include:
Aviation Mall - Queensbury
Carousel Center – Syracuse (became smoke-free in 2007, will be tobacco-free)
Champlain Centre - Plattsburgh
Galleria at Crystal Run - Middletown
Palisades Center – West Nyack
Poughkeepsie Galleria - Poughkeepsie
Salmon Run Mall - Watertown
Sangertown Square – New Hartford
The Shops at Ithaca Mall - Ithaca
Walden Galleria - Buffalo
Massachusetts malls include:
Berkshire Mall - Lanesborough
Independence Mall - Kingston
Hampshire Mall - Hadley
Holyoke Mall at Ingleside - Holyoke
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