Canada: MLB and Its Rules around Tobacco Products

Source from:  The Star 03/01/2016

A Toronto city councillor wants to ban tobacco products at all of the city's sports facilities - including the Rogers Centre - which would prohibit Blue Jays players from chewing or dipping in their home ballpark.

Such a bylaw would follow similar bans in Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco and one currently under consideration in New York City.

Major League Baseball supports banning its players from using all tobacco products, but the players' union has thus far resisted such efforts. The issue is likely to factor into the next round of collective bargaining, which is expected to begin soon.

Here's what the rules are now:

No tobacco in TV interviews

Players and managers are prohibited from using any tobacco products during TV interviews and public appearances on behalf of the club.

Tobacco must be concealed

While players are allowed to chew or dip tobacco during the game, they must conceal their use at all times when fans are permitted in the ballpark. Tins and packaging must be hidden from view and players cannot carry tobacco in their uniform.

No tobacco in the minor leagues

Minor-league players, who have far fewer rights than their major-league counterparts, are prohibited from using any tobacco product. They are likewise subject to testing for marijuana, while big leaguers are not. Enditem