Tobacco use was prohibited on all playing fields

Published on July 2, 2008 8:47 AM

In Findlay was approved a new rule. The new legislation prohibits tobacco use on all playing fields and courts in Findlay parks, including ball fields, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, skating ramps and other facilities.

Smoking or chewing tobacco was forbad also on all recreational surfaces, including associated dugouts, benches and some concession stands. Cigarette smoking will continue to be permitted in pavilions, spectator stands and general areas of the park, such as walking trails.

The main goal of the new rule is to protect public health and avoid litter that causes additional maintenance expenses, diminished aesthetics and the risk of ingestion by children.

"I don't believe government should be telling anyone to do anything, but in this case I don't think kids should see tobacco use around them because we want to discourage kids from taking up any bad habit like that," said supervisors Chairman Thomas Gallant.

Mr. Gallant said he'd gotten complaints from some parents and baseball team managers about adults smoking and chewing tobacco and leaving cigarette butts, empty cans of chew and other tobacco litter in dugouts.

Mr. Gallant said: "The whole point is to keep it out of sight of our kids so they're not encouraged to use those products. If somebody wants to smoke a cigarette or have a chew ... they will have to be way outside the area where the children play."

Signs will be posted designating playing surfaces as tobacco-free zones. The rule includes all types of tobacco use, including chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes, pipes or cigars.

Violators who will refuse to stop using tobacco in the designated areas will be subject to immediate ejection from the field or court, or cash fines.