Proposal looks to ban chewing tobacco, Zyn at pro stadiums
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The Tigers' Jack Flaherty chews gum — a popular MLB alternative to chewing tobacco — during a recent game at Comerica Park. Photo: Duane Burleson/Getty Images
A new City Council proposal would ban chewing tobacco and Zyn nicotine pouches at Comerica Park and other Detroit pro sports stadiums.
Why it matters: It's part of a national effort driven by Knock Tobacco Out of the Park to sever the long-standing link between baseball and chewing tobacco.
- Student athletes and other kids imitate their pro baseball role models, the campaign's leaders say.
State of play: The proposal sponsored by City Council Member Fred Durhal III would prohibit use of smokeless tobacco, like chewing tobacco and snuff, at all pro sports stadiums.
- The ban includes use by fans, players and team personnel.
- Cigarettes and vapes are already prohibited.
What they're saying: Durhal tells Axios he decided to get involved when advocates spoke with him about the impact on young people in sports.
- "They kind of got to me in my heartstrings when they talked about youth … We wanted to just create a healthy environment, particularly as it pertains to sports venues here in the city of Detroit that ensures it's going to be a place for families," he says.
Threat level: Chewing tobacco exposes users to lower levels of harmful chemicals than cigarettes, but can still cause cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Knock Tobacco Out of the Park says in a press release it has support from the Detroit Tigers. A spokesperson confirmed to Axios that Ilitch Sports + Entertainment supports the effort to protect public health.
- Ford Field's website says its smoke-free facility policy includes all tobacco-related products, while Little Caesars Arena's website says smoking and vaping are prohibited.
Zoom out: MLB's 2016 collective bargaining agreement banned smokeless tobacco for new players.
- Kevin O'Flaherty, associate VP of state and local advocacy for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids — a partner in the national effort — says he hopes with enough local policies banning it, the league and union will remove it from the game.
The intrigue: Passing this ordinance would make Comerica Park the 18th MLB stadium out of 30 to become entirely tobacco-free.
- According to O'Flaherty, Detroit would be the first of the campaign's local policies to ban addictive, tobacco-leaf-free nicotine pouches like Zyn, which have become increasingly popular.
Between the lines: Under the proposed rule, stadium operators shall post signs that using any tobacco product, including chew, is prohibited. Violators should be told to stop and those who fail to abide by the order shall "leave the premises immediately."
- Those who refuse to obey are guilty of a misdemeanor punishable on first offense with a fine up to $100.
What's next: The Detroit rule change got support from a council committee, but still requires a public hearing and full council vote.