SEATTLE — The days of using smokeless tobacco for Seattle Mariners players and competitors during games at Safeco Field are coming to an end.

At a hearing Thursday afternoon, the King County Board of Health voted unanimously to prohibit smokeless tobacco at professional sports venues countywide — an ordinance that will take effect May 19. The move is in response to health advocates who say the tobacco habit among players sets a poor example for fans and young athletes.

“King County and Seattle are sending the right message: Baseball players and other athletes are role models for our nation’s youth, while chewing tobacco is dangerous and should not be an accepted part of sports culture,” said Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, in a statement.

Several Mariners players chew tobacco, sometimes during games.

A letter to the King County Board of Health and a spokeswoman for the team, however, said they are supportive of a ban.

Under the adopted rule, first-time offenses among players would equal a warning, and repeat violators would receive hefty fines. It applies to the field and clubhouse areas.

—The Seattle Times