The Oakwood City Council passed an ordinance on Monday night that brings an end to smoking on all city-owned property and includes the use of electronic cigarettes. The ban was drafted and passed in response to complaints from residents who live near parks, according to WDTN.com. It’s the fourth park-free ban in the state and the first such ban in Montgomery County, but county health officials told the TV station that they hope it starts a trend that other cities and towns will follow. The city has not posted the text of the ordinance on its website yet, but the Dayton Daily News reported in October that the draft provided for fines of $10 for a first offense, $50 for a second offense and $150 for third and subsequent violations. Should an individual refuse to comply with a police directive to stop smoking, they could be fined up to $250 and face up to 30 days in jail. The proposed law included exclusions for city-owned rights-of-way such as sidewalks, alleys and streets. Oakwood is home to approximately 9,100 residents and is located in western Ohio near Dayton and 55 miles northeast of Cincinnati.
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