Detroit City Council Urged to Pass Ordinance Prohibiting All Tobacco Use in City Stadiums

Policy Would Protect Kids, Eliminate Tobacco from America’s Pastime

DETROIT –Public health advocates gathered Monday at the Corner Ballpark, site of former Tiger Stadium, to urge passage of a city ordinance to “Knock Tobacco Out of the Park.”

The proposed ordinance, sponsored by Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal, would prohibit use of all tobacco products in Detroit’s professional stadiums. While use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes is already prohibited in stadiums, the ordinance would also prohibit use of all smokeless tobacco products, including nicotine pouches. The measure was unanimously approved by the Detroit City Council’s Committee on Public Health and Safety Monday morning and is expected to be considered by the full Detroit City Council soon.

“Thank you, Detroit City Councilman Durhal, for your leadership and sponsoring this policy that will protect kids’ health and promote tobacco-free lifestyles,” said Kevin O’Flaherty, Associate Vice President, State and Local Advocacy at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “Approval of this policy will send a clear message to Detroiters: Tobacco and baseball do not belong together, and athletes should set the right example for kids by not using any tobacco product.”

Advocates urged swift passage of the common-sense policy that would end the longstanding link between baseball and smokeless tobacco and help prevent youth—especially student athletes who imitate their role models—from using harmful and addictive tobacco products.

“Tobacco use takes a dangerous and preventable toll on the health and wellness of our communities, and it certainly doesn’t belong in professional sports,” said Minou Jones, chair of the Detroit Wayne Oakland Tobacco-Free Coalition. “Passage of this policy would show that Detroit prioritizes the health of its fans, both on and off the field, helping us keep addiction out of America’s pastime.”

The Detroit Tigers and Major League Baseball have signaled support for the proposed ordinance. Upon approval, Detroit would be the 18th of 30 Major League Baseball stadiums to be completely tobacco-free. The policy prohibits the use of smokeless tobacco and nicotine pouches throughout all professional sports stadiums in Detroit including Comerica Park, Ford Field and Little Caesar’s Arena. Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are already prohibited in the stadiums through state and local laws and stadium policy.

“Prohibiting the use of smokeless tobacco products in our stadiums allows fans, players and even viewers at home to focus on the game, not the unhealthy distraction of tobacco,” said Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal.  “I’m proud to sponsor this ordinance that helps us set a better example for our kids both on and off the field, while protecting all Detroiters’ public health.”

A coalition of over 30 organizations urged passage of the policy in Detroit, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Detroit Wayne Oakland Tobacco-Free Coalition, Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Coalition, Michigan Oral Health Coalition and the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

###