Smokeless tobacco will soon be off-limits for players and patrons at Citi Field and Yankee Stadium.
The New York City Council approved a ban on smokeless tobacco at ticketed sporting events on Tuesday afternoon by a vote of 44-3. The law is due to take effect immediately upon Mayor Bill de Blasio providing his signature, which is expected to be a formality.
"Today we're taking tobacco out of baseball in New York City," Council Member Corey Johnson said. "In New York City we've seen smoking rates precipitously decline, but chewing tobacco use has remained steady. When athletes who are role models to children are regularly shown on TV using smokeless tobacco, that sends a harmful message.