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Red Wings, Little Caesars Arena affected by new ban from city of Detroit
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings are hot with a 1st-place start to the season; there won't be smoke or fire, as the city of Detroit has enacted a new rule that has sought to end the use of smokeless tobacco products.
If you're planning on using smokeless tobacco products in Little Caesars Arena anytime soon, don't.
The City of Detroit has enacted a ban on the products in the vicinity of and within the arenas or stadiums.
If you're caught using these products, it'll be a hefty fine of $500, and the ban itself includes players, coaches, and fans.
The newly minted rule will affect several Red Wings players who often use the products
"The Detroit City Council voted 7-2 today to make it illegal to use chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches, or other smokeless tobacco products inside stadiums and sports arenas in the city.
Anyone caught using these products will first be told to stop. If they refuse, they can be charged with a misdemeanor. The first ticket can cost up to $100, and repeat violations can reach $500."
Anyone caught using these products will first be told to stop. If they refuse, they can be charged with a misdemeanor. The first ticket can cost up to $100, and repeat violations can reach $500."
That includes defenseman Albert Johansson, who uses "snus," which are pouches of nicotine that are inserted between the cheek and gums of the user. It's popular with the younger players.
«I almost thought it was a joke when I read about it,» Johansson told writer Johan Eriksson of Swedish website Expressen about the ban. «The fact that I smoke snus is nothing to be ashamed of.
«I'll probably smoke extra snus at home and maybe smuggle something in. We'll see.»
«I'll probably smoke extra snus at home and maybe smuggle something in. We'll see.»
City of Detroit bans 'snus' and other tobacco products
According to the Centers for Disease Control, only 4.2% of American men use the products. But if you select for the 18-25 age group, the number jumps to 10.5%, which is quite troubling.
The use of nicotine pouches includes gum disease, tooth decay, cancer, and cardiovascular issues, and that excludes the addiction to the drug itself.
The Red Wings' star forward, Lucas Raymond, has been open about his usage of the product. He admits it's a cultural phenomenon in NHL locker rooms, as more than he and Johansson use snus.
«It's not something you want to promote to younger people or anything,» Raymond said. He plans to do his snus imbibing away from the rink in the future.
«Yes, I smoke, but rules are rules, so you have to stick to them,» Raymond said. «So that will have to wait until you get out of here.»
«Yes, I smoke, but rules are rules, so you have to stick to them,» Raymond said. «So that will have to wait until you get out of here.»
The ban itself will no doubt be controversial, as a violation of the rule is a misdemeanor and will come with a hefty cost for doing so.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 1 | 443 ANSWERS Red Wings, Little Caesars Arena affected by new ban from city of Detroit Did you think a forward like Lucas Raymond of the Detroit Red Wings would use a product like smokeless tobacco? | ||
| Yes | 138 | 31.2 % |
| No | 305 | 68.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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