SACO — Tobacco use will soon be prohibited in all city parks in Saco.

The Saco City Council on Tuesday unanimously passed, with councilors Micah Smart and Alan Minthorn absent, an ordinance prohibiting tobacco use in the city’s parks – areas which typically are used by high volumes of families and children. The ordinance will go into effect on Oct. 3.

The ordinance prohibits smoking, vaping or use of tobacco products in any form, including chewing tobacco, at parks or city or public school recreation areas. Parks and recreation staff will install signs at these locations that clearly state that tobacco use is banned.

Parks and recreation staff will also be responsible for monitoring compliance of the new ordinance. Those who use tobacco products at a city park or recreation area will be asked to discontinue use. If the person refuses, the person may be asked to leave. If a person using tobacco products in a tobacco-free zone continues usage and refuses to leave after being asked by city staff, they are considered trespassing, and police may be called to intervene.

The ordinance has received an enthusiastic response from the City Council since it was first proposed last month by City Administration Intern George Chaison-Lapine.

“I’m very pleased that the city of Saco is taking this seriously and caring very much about the youth in our community as well as all of our citizens. It’s about time,” said Councilor Lynn Copeland at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Councilor Nathan Johnston said he has advocated for such an ordinance for four years.

“As Councilor Copeland said, it’s long overdue and it’s about time and I’m very pleased with it, so thank you to the staff that helped (with this),” said Johnston.

In addition to the ordinance, the council also passed a resolution promoting Saco as a tobacco-free city and discouraging the use of tobacco products on all city property.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.