The New York City Council officially banned all tobacco products, including chewing tobacco from Citi Field, Yankee Stadium, and all other ticketed sporting events in the city on March 22, 2016. Smokeless tobacco has already been banned from baseball stadiums in Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. This type of ban has been a trend in major cities in an attempt to reduce the use of chewing tobacco, as it is primarily used by young men, specifically athletes.
Both the Yankees and the Mets have surprisingly been supportive of the ban. The players understand that the main reason for the ban is to send the right message to fans that chewing tobacco is dangerous and is no longer accepted as part of the sports culture. Additionally, both franchises are offering nicotine replacement therapy supplies to help support the players in becoming tobacco free.
Big cities who have now enacted these bans are going to be the leaders and role models for other cities to follow. New York, being the nation’s largest city and home of two baseball franchises will most likely influence other cities. It is definitely going to be interesting to see how these cities plan to enforce the ban on both fans and players.
About the Author: In his law practice Mr. Donnini's primary practice is multi-state sales and use tax as well as state corporate income tax controversy. Mr. Donnini also practices in the areas of federal tax controversy, federal estate planning, Florida probate, and all other state taxes including communication service tax, cigarette & tobacco tax, motor fuel tax, and Native American taxation. Mr. Donnini obtained his LL.M. in Taxation at NYU. Mr. Donnini is licensed to practice law in Florida. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact him via email [email protected] or phone at 954-639-4496.