Let's Knock Tobacco Out of the Park in Minneapolis!
Great news! Our effort to Knock Tobacco Out of the Park (KTOOP) in Minneapolis is officially moving forward!
The proposed ordinance would close an important gap in existing smoke-free policies by prohibiting the use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco and oral nicotine products like nicotine pouches, at Minneapolis sports venues -- including Target Field, Target Center, and U.S. Bank Stadium. The policy would apply to everyone at these venues, from players and coaches to employees and fans.
It’s about more than sports. Professional athletes are role models for young people, and tobacco use in sports can send the wrong message about addictive nicotine products. This policy would help break the link between baseball and tobacco and set a healthier example for the next generation.
More than half of MLB stadiums (18 of 30) are already tobacco-free because of state and local laws. It’s time for Minneapolis to step up to the plate!
Thank you to all the partners who signed our letter of support. More than 30 local, state, and national health and youth-serving organizations are behind this effort, and that broad support will be important as we move ahead.
Here are the latest updates:
Official introduction: The proposal was introduced at the City Council on October 15 and referred to the Public Health, Safety & Equity Committee.
Ordinance development: Draft ordinance language is in development, and city staff are preparing for the next steps.
Council engagement: We are starting to meet with committee members to discuss the proposal and confirm support.
What’s next: Once we have more information about the committee timeline and hearing schedule, we’ll let you know.
What to do now: Please take a few minutes to review the materials below and start thinking about your personal connections to City Council members, particularly those serving on the Public Health, Safety & Equity Committee.
Resources
National KTOOP news and resources: https://tobaccofreebaseball.org/
Grassroots engagement will be key to getting this across home plate. Thank you for being part of this effort!
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