CAMDEN — The Belmont Inn has been awarded a Knox County Community Health Coalition Partnership Tobacco-Free Mini Grant for upgrading its tobacco-free policy to a model level. It now protects its guests and staff from both smoking and vaping products.

“This is such an important step to protect the lives and health of people in Knox County from the impact of second-hand smoke,” said owner Kim Caffe, in a news release. “I have had family members who suffered from health consequences of smoking, so I know how critical it is to help people enjoy environments without smoke or vape. My guests and our community benefit from our updated policy.”

“The Belmont Inn is an elegant and upscale bed and breakfast in the heart of Camden, welcoming guests since the 1920s,” according to the release.

Built as a family home in 1891, the free classic Queen Anne Victorian retains architectural details of a Maine home built in that era. Caffe and her daughter Lauren have run the inn since the 2019 season.

For information on how your business can upgrade your tobacco policy by working with the Knox County Community Health Coalition, a department of the Penobscot Bay YMCA, contact Becky Hayes Boober, Tobacco Prevention Specialist, at beckyhbooberkcchc@gmail.com or 207-236-6313, ext. 2.

Currently, KCCHC is offering mini grants to help organizations, businesses and workplaces in Knox County upgrade their tobacco-free policies.