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San Francisco takes first step toward banning tobacco in ballparks
The city of San Francisco took its first step toward banning tobacco in ballparks. Supervisors voted to unanimously outlaw the use of smokeless tobacco at athletic venues Tuesday.
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Baseball, which has a long history of players using chewing tobacco, was singled out during the hearing, according to Janie Har of the Associated Press.
That's not the right message to send to children, said Mark Farrell, chief sponsor of the legislation. Kids shouldn't get the idea that they need to use tobacco to play ball, Farrell said.
The ordinance is part of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which is based in Washington, D.C. The ordinance aims to promote anti-smoking efforts in California. In addition to this bill, there's another moving through the Assembly that would ban all tobacco use anywhere an organized baseball game is being played. This would include both electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
Minor-league players have been prohibited from using smokeless tobacco since the early 1990s. While use is not prohibited in the majors, there are some rules for using tobacco. Coaches and players cannot chew tobacco during interviews, and are not allowed to carry tobacco while wearing a uniform when fans are present.
Players union spokesman Greg Bouris did not respond to emails sent by the Associated Press regarding the ordinance.
San Francisco already prohibits smoking in arenas, and this new smokeless tobacco ban would be enforced in the same way. Signs would be posted on the premises, and violators would be removed.
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When asked whether a ballplayer would be kicked out of the park for using tobacco, Jess Montejano, and aide for Mark Farrell, told the AP:
"We would hope it doesn't come to that," Montejano said, "and that the league would work to educate players coming to AT&T Park."
The ordinance still needs another formal vote by the board in order to pass. That vote will take place next week. If it passes, the new laws would take effect January 1.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
