SEATTLE, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Seattle Parks Superintendent Timothy Gallagher said he has approved a ban on smoking and the use of all tobacco products inside the city's parks.

The Seattle Times said Thursday Gallagher announced the ban in a memo Wednesday, saying his decision to ban tobacco products like cigarettes starting April 1 was a health issue.


"The negative health effects of tobacco are well documented," Gallagher said. "As an agency that has a fundamental mission to support the health and well-being of Seattle residents, it is appropriate and beneficial to prohibit the use of tobacco products at parks and park facilities."

SeattlePI.com said individuals violating the ban for the first time could be banned from Seattle parks for a day or simply face warnings.

The new code of conduct featuring the tobacco ban also details the punishments for more serious violations committed in Seattle parks.

Individuals found committing assault or selling drugs inside the city's parks could be banned from the park system for as long as a year, SeattlePI.com said.