Baltimore Poised to Ban Smokeless Tobacco From Professional Stadiums

Baltimore is poised to pass legislation that would prohibit smokeless tobacco in all the city's professional stadiums. 

The legislation, which is backed by the Baltimore Orioles, would prohibit the use of all forms of tobacco inside Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium. 

The legislation is part of a push by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which has been encouraging cities across the country to implement bans of their own. 

Kevin O’Flaherty, an advocacy director for the campaign, told the Health, Environment, and Technology committee that big tobacco gets free advertising every time a professional player uses tobacco on the field, encouraging kids to do the same.  

“Today, you can help change that. If Baltimore passes this measure, we’re all going to see healthier young kids,” he said.

Councilman Kristerfer Burnett agrees. 

“There are young people watching our athletes, and we should be encouraging them to be good examples,” he said.

The Orioles said Wednesday that they support the legislation, adding that tobacco would also be banned at the Ed Smith Stadium Complex, the team’s spring training home in Sarasota, Florida, as well as the Buck O’Neil Complex at Twin Lakes Park.

“As an organization, our top priority is to ensure that we are always doing what is best for our club and our community,” said Kerry Watson, executive vice president of public affairs. “That is why, after numerous conversations with our front office, coaching staff, and city officials, we have made the decision to support the City’s ban of tobacco products at stadiums throughout Baltimore.”