Chewing Tobacco Ban At Fenway Park Goes Into Effect April 2016
BOSTON (CBS/AP) -- A new ordinance banning chewing tobacco products at Fenway Park and other city parks goes into effect on April 1, 2016.
Related: City Council Approves Chewing Tobacco Ban At Fenway, Other Parks
Boston City Council approved the ban on Sept. 2.
Mayor Marty Walsh signed the ordinance at an event in Dorchester on Wednesday.
It prohibits the use of smokeless tobacco on all ballfields where professional, collegiate, high school or amateur sports are played.
Violators will face a $250 fine.
Ban signs will have to be posted in dugouts, bullpens, training rooms, locker rooms, press boxes, television and radio broadcast booths, and bathrooms throughout the sports venues.
Walsh and former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling were among those lobbying for the ban to be approved.
Schilling, who retired after the 2007 season, revealed earlier this year he was diagnosed and treated for mouth cancer. He believes chewing tobacco was the cause.
The mayor says the ban isn't about the big leaguers.
"This isn't about the (Boston) Red Sox. This isn't about Major League Baseball. This is about public health for our young people," Walsh said.
Studies show more teens are using smokeless tobacco.
A local resident told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope she thinks it's a good idea.
"I'm so for banning smoking...anywhere," she says, "But the smokeless tobacco? Same thing. I think it's perfect. I think it's wonderful, especially in parks, too."
A similar ban has been adopted in San Francisco.
Los Angeles city councilors have also given their initial OK.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope reports
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