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Detroit council takes Zyn out of the game

October 22, 2025

The Detroit City Council has voted 7-2 to ban smokeless tobacco and alternative nicotine products like Zyn in city stadiums, with violations potentially resulting in a $100 fine after an initial warning. Council Member Fred Durhal III led the proposal, partnering with the organization Knock Tobacco Out of The Park, arguing that the ban helps prevent children from being influenced by unhealthy habits associated with sports. The ban applies to everyone in stadiums, including athletes and employees, though it excludes vaping products which are already prohibited under existing venue policies.

Who is affected

  • Stadium visitors and spectators in Detroit
  • Professional and amateur athletes performing in Detroit stadiums
  • Stadium employees and coaches
  • Children and youth who might be influenced by seeing tobacco use
  • Detroit Tigers players specifically mentioned (Spencer Torkelson, Tarik Skubal)
  • Tobacco and nicotine product users who attend stadium events

What action is being taken

  • The City Council is criminalizing smokeless tobacco and alternative nicotine products in sports arenas
  • Violators will first be given a warning before potentially facing a $100 fine
  • Knock Tobacco Out of The Park is working with Detroit officials to implement the ban
  • The Detroit Wayne Oakland Tobacco-Free Coalition is supporting tobacco-free initiatives
  • Police Chief Todd Bettison is working to stop gas stations from selling vapes to children

Why it matters

  • The ban aims to prevent children from being influenced by unhealthy habits they observe in sports settings
  • It addresses health concerns related to tobacco products that have historically been associated with baseball
  • The initiative adds Detroit to a list of 17 other stadiums that have banned smokeless tobacco
  • The measure represents an effort to reduce addiction in sports and improve public health
  • According to advocates, tobacco has "taken an enormous toll on Detroiters for far too long"

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com

Detroit council takes Zyn out of the game