San Luis enacts new ordinance on smoking in public

News 11's Adonis Albright speaks with the city about the new change, and what residents need to know

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The city of San Luis is moving ahead with an expanded ban on smoking on all outdoor areas owned by the city. The City Council recently passed the new ordinance aimed at not only improving public health, but also to update a 2015 ordinance which now includes a ban on e-cigarettes and vaping.

The new ordinance applies to all recreational areas owned by the city. San Luis' Parks and Recreation tells News 11 the city wants to make sure residents aren't being exposed to second-hand smoke when there are public events going on.

“We have a culture center, we have a youth center, we have a gym, so all those recreational facilities is what we’re talking about", said Angelica Roldan, the Assistant Director of Parks and Rec in San Luis.

But rather than an outright ban on all smoking in public, the city will begin putting up new signage for designated smoking areas.

“We decided to go back and revise it, and update it and have a little bit more information about what smoking means, and what is bad for our residents. The idea is to be more specific on what areas in the city we won’t allow that", said Roldan.

But what about those who violate the new ordinance? As of right now, the San Luis Police Department doesn't plan on issuing any citations, but a simple reminder about the new change, according to Roldan.

The new city ordinance takes effect on Friday, April 23.