Chewing Tobacco Ban Gets Boost From Public Health Advocates

Public health officials and anti-tobacco activists are throwing their support behind Mayor Marty Walsh's plan to ban chewing tobacco, snuff and chew from city ballparks, including historic Fenway Park.

More than a dozen experts representing hospitals, healthcare organizations and tobacco prevention groups testified Monday in favor of the proposal at a City Council committee hearing. No one opposed the plan, which the council is expected to vote on later.

Walsh's ban on smokeless tobacco products would apply to everyone in a ballpark, from fans to players, and cover professional, collegiate, high school or organized amateur games.

Walsh announced the proposal earlier this month alongside former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, who survived mouth cancer. If approved, the ban would take effect April 1 and violators would face a $250 fine.