Detroit City Council Enacts $100 Fine for Chewing Tobacco, Nicotine Pouches at Ballpark

October 21, 2025

The Detroit City Council voted 7-2 to criminalize the use of chewing tobacco and nicotine pouches, making them misdemeanor offenses with $100 fines, while giving offenders an opportunity to stop before being penalized. The ordinance faced opposition from two council members who questioned enforcement feasibility and governmental overreach in regulating adult behavior. This effort is part of the national "Knock Tobacco Out of the Park" campaign, which reportedly has support from the Detroit Tigers.

Who is affected

Detroit residents, particularly those who use chewing tobacco and nicotine pouches in stadiums
Sports fans attending events at Detroit stadiums
Children and youth who might be exposed to tobacco use at stadiums
People under 18 years old who are targeted by tobacco marketing

What action is being taken

Detroit City Council has voted to criminalize the use of tobacco products, specifically chewing tobacco and nicotine pouches
The ordinance includes a $100 fine for non-compliant offenders after giving them a chance to stop
Chief Todd Bettison is investigating retail outlets selling tobacco devices to people under 18
The initiative is being implemented as part of a national anti-tobacco campaign

Why it matters

Supporters argue the ban helps protect children from being exposed to tobacco use and marketing
The ordinance addresses what Councilwoman Whitfield Calloway called an "epidemic" in the city
Ford Field and Little Caesars Arena already prohibit tobacco-related products, but enforcement has been inconsistent
Detroit will join 18 other cities that have banned smokeless tobacco in sports arenas

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle