Lighting up on gameday is now a bit tougher with new policies in place for smoking in Sanford Stadium.

“In accordance with the University of Georgia policy, the Athletic Association has declared all areas of Sanford Stadium smoke/tobacco free,” according to the Georgia Gameplan Web site.

In the past, smoking was allowed in designated areas of the stadium.

Last Saturday’s game against Georgia Southern was the first game in which the new policy was in effect.

Most people obeyed the new policy, University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said in a telephone interview Thursday, and officers attempted to educate fans about the news rules.

Law enforcement treats smoking like any other violation, Williamson said.

“We try to deal with it in some way,” he said. “A lot of times it might just be a verbal communication telling them to stop. Depending on how receptive they are, we might ask them to leave.”

The new rule is tolerable, said Patrick Malone, a senior from Roswell. Malone said he has smoked in the stands in the past, and it did not seem to bother the other fans in the student section. He said others have told him they would like smoking to be allowed in the stadium again.

“They definitely run the risk of upsetting fans,” Malone said. “I guess they are trying to send a message of smoke- and alcohol-free games.”

“There is great benefit by banning smoking,” Cherylee Earsille, a nurse with the American Lung Association, said. “Non-smokers will not have to breathe second-hand smoke, which is just as damaging to lungs as smoking itself.”

Students often receive a bad rap for their conduct on gameday, Williamson said, but they usually comply with the rules.

“Typically, it’s more common for people age 27 to 57,” he said. “I will be honest, these students comply with the rules in the stadium. They may overindulge (in drinking) before coming to the game though.”

“(Students) are also quick to listen and follow instructions, but there is always an exception,” Williamson said.