RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Effective March 1, patrons of Gil's Pub in the Randolph Enlisted Club will no longer be allowed to smoke in the club as it will be redesignated as a no-smoking area.
Officials have determined the pub as a common area and by regulation it is Randolph's policy to ensure all common areas are smoke free.
"The Air Force is heading toward a smoke-free force," Col. Richard Clark, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, said. "Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley is pushing for a smoke-free force and we want to bring Randolph on board with this movement."
The enlisted club here is the only club within the Continental United States that still allows smoking within their facility, Colonel Clark said. Several years ago, it was decided to make the night club smoke free and keep Gil's Pub open for smokers. Since these were both non-common areas, it was a reasonable solution. However, now that they are considered common areas, the facility will follow the regulations of Randolph.
"We want to remain sensitive to those patrons who do smoke," Colonel Clark said. "As a result, we are looking into enhancing existing outdoor areas for patrons to use while smoking."
While the colonel and club staff understand this may not be a popular decision, Colonel Clark wanted to stress, "The bottom line here is the health of our Airmen."
"I care about the health and well-being of all Airmen and want to emphasize this decision is for the greater good of all those in service to the Air Force," he said.
The change is scheduled to start March 1.
For more information on the "We are at War" smoking cessation campaign supported by Chief McKinley, log on to
www.ucanquit2.org.