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MIDDLETOWN — The no-smoking section in Middletown just got a little bigger.

Effective today, Aug. 1, smoking is prohibited indoors and outdoors at Miami University Middletown, and all other Miami campuses.

"It really doesn't bother me because I don't smoke," said Max Combs, a Miami Middletown student for one year.

The policy, recommended last years, snuffs out smoking on all university-owned facilities and grounds, as well as sidewalks that adjoin university property. Smoking will still be allowed inside private vehicles, but some students say they don't have the time to make trips to the parking lot.

"There's not enough time between classes to walk out to your car," said Sandra Combs, a Miami Middletown student for three years. "You can't run out real fast to smoke a cigarette, or even half a cigarette."

Miami first banned smoking in 1993 in all public areas of buildings, except designated ventilated smoking spaces, according to the university. Smoking in residence halls and within 25 feet of them has been prohibited sine 2002. In December, the university also blocked smoking within 25 feet of all buildings and university vehicles.

Some students praised the latest policy, but others said it is a step too far.

"I think they need to accommodate everyone with some kind of section," said Marcie Jennings, who said she stopped smoking three years ago. "It's just getting a little out of hand."

University officials said they are continuing to work to inform current and incoming students through e-mails and signs, and also are spreading the word about the university's smoking cessation programs. For more information, visit miami.muohio.edu.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or mengle@coxohio.com.