The popular American past time, baseball, is the subject of the latest legislation concerning tobacco. Seeing your favorite teams’ pitcher squirting out a mouthful of sludge has always gone along with this American pastime. However, recent pieces of legislature in the state of California could change all of this, forcing players to keep their habits strictly off the field.
On March 10th, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors met to hear the introduction of a bill that would ban tobacco in any location where organized sports take place. According to the March newsletter by Supervisor Farrell, who went before the Board to introduce this legislation, this legislation would ban tobacco related products from not only stadiums, but also in sports arenas and playing fields across San Francisco.
If this legislation passes, San Francisco will become the first city to pass such a law. Where is the push to ban these products in such a setting coming from? The major concern seems to be the future of the children.
As far as the players themselves goes, smoking tobacco is already banned by Major League Baseball. Fans, on the other hand experience varying laws. Depending on the stadium, some allow smoking in designated outdoor areas while others adhere to the state anti-smoking bans already in place. These laws stem from concerns over decades of scientific research that provide evidence to the dangers of second-hand smoking.
Those behind this legislation have voiced concerns for the health of the millions of kids who idolize their favorite baseball players. Even though smokeless tobacco may not have direct secondary effects, anti-smoking advocates have still voiced their concerns for the harm that can be done to the kids watching the game in the stands.
And what is the reaction of the baseball league on this potential ban? Major League baseball discourages smokeless tobacco use by players. At the moment, Major League Baseball’s unions have been able to block a complete ban for its players. However, the league has been very open in its agreement that kids should not be exposed to smokeless tobacco and the fact that the league supports the initiative and effort California has and continues to put forth concerning health and awareness.
The situation for those in the smokeless tobacco industry continues to be a bit uncertain. If you are presently considering a startup in this industry, you might want to consider an online tobacco merchant account. With the continued debate surrounding the use of smokeless tobacco and the health effects that accompany it, you might find it difficult to secure the help that you need from traditional lending sources. An online tobacco merchant account will help you secure the funds and payment processing solutions you need from a provider that specializes in working with this industry.