The City of Milwaukee on Tuesday voted almost unanimously to ban smokeless tobacco at Miller Park and other local sports venues. 

In a statement, Ald. Michael J. Murphy said, "I want to publicly thank my Common Council colleagues for their overwhelming support today in the 14-1 vote to adopt legislation I sponsored banning smokeless tobacco at Miller Park and other sports venues in Milwaukee. 

"It is clear that today’s action puts our city on the right side of this issue, and sends the clear message to everyone – but especially kids – that smokeless tobacco is dangerous. Smokeless tobacco contains at least 28 known carcinogens and causes oral, pancreatic and esophageal cancer. The product also causes nicotine addiction and other serious health problems like gum disease, tooth decay and mouth lesions."

Murphy added: "I also want to thank the many sponsors and supporters who have been standing in favor of the legislation from the beginning: The Milwaukee Brewers; Community Advocates; the American Cancer Society; Major League Baseball and former MLB Commissioner Bud Selig; the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids; and the American Lung Association."