On July 3, the Bath City Council passed the “City of Bath Tobacco-Free Parks and Recreation Facilities” ordinance. When the law goes into effect July 24, tobacco use will be prohibited within 25 feet of all parks and recreation facilities owned or maintained by the city.

Library Park, Waterfront Park, South End Park and among the parks are included, in addition to all city boat launches, trails and easements.

The ordinance, is to “protect, preserve, and promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents and visitors that use the City of Bath’s parks and outdoor recreation facilities” and to “…decrease exposure of individuals, and children in particular, to secondhand smoke and the associated detritus from the use of tobacco products.”

An added benefit is the anticipated decline of litter, which should prove to be a cost-saving measure for the city, since cigarette butts constitute the overwhelming majority of litter in public places.

The vast majority of Maine’s citizens do not smoke cigarettes. Ordinances like these ensure those choosing to make healthier decisions are not affected by those who don’t.

Bath police will enforce the new ordinance. Those who violate the policy will first receive a warning and if that goes unheeded, there is a $100 fine for the first offense; $250 for a second offense; and $500 for each violation thereafter.

MELISSA FOCHESATO is partnership director for ACCESS Health, a local Healthy Maine Partnership.