The New York City Council recently passed a legislation that would ban the use of smokeless tobacco products. The restriction would be implemented all throughout ticked baseball stadiums, sports arenas, and recreation areas in NYC.
According to The Olympian, the new legislation in the city was passed on Tuesday. The voting totaled 44-3 in favor of the banning of smokeless tobacco.
It was sponsored by the New York City Council Member Corey Johnson, which is the Chair of the council's Committee on Health. Both the Mets and the Yankees are said to be supporting the restriction of the use of smokeless tobacco in such areas.
"It's just something we have to deal with," Yankees reliever Andrew Miller stated in Tampa, Florida. He added, "I don't see anybody protesting. There's rules that we have to follow."
In fact, just last month, the city Health Department's legislation to prohibit the substance, which can allegedly cause cancer, from all sports arenas, including the homes of Yankees and Mets had already been backed up, as claimed by NY DAILY NEWS. "Unfortunately, our young people repeatedly see professional athletes, especially baseball players, using smokeless tobacco, making this practice appear socially acceptable," mentioned senior legal counsel Kevin Schroth.
ABC NEWS reported that since the two teams, the Mets and the Yankees have already showed their support to the newest NYC legislation. Similar bans have also been taking control in Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco baseball stadiums, sports arenas, and recreation areas.
Moreover, the President of the Campaign for the Tobacco-Free Kids, Matthew Myers applauded the move of containing such substance. He said that the legislation "sends a simple and powerful message to kids" that "baseball and tobacco don't mix."
Meanwhile, although a lot of people are showing are showing their support on the bill, the local law will only be implemented once New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signs the legislation, which will hopefully be on the opening day. Immediately after signing it, the bill will take effect on the city's ballparks.
