Boston Mayor Wants Ban on Chewing Tobacco at Ballparks

BOSTON (AP) — Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh wants to ban chewing tobacco in sports venues across the city.

The mayor is expected to discuss a proposed new ordinance Wednesday morning at a city park. Public health officials, advocates, local youth and former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling are expected to attend.

Schilling, now an ESPN analyst, revealed earlier this year he was diagnosed and treated for mouth cancer. He believes chewing tobacco was the cause.

Walsh plans to officially file the ordinance with the City Council Monday.

The proposal would cover professional, collegiate, high school and organized amateur sporting events. It would be effective in next April. Violators would be subject to a $250 fine.

San Francisco became the first U.S. city to outlaw chewing tobacco from its playing fields in May.