Boston mayor signs ban on chewing tobacco at sporting venues

BOSTON - Boston has banned smokeless tobacco products from Fenway Park and all other sports venues in the city.

Mayor Marty Walsh on Wednesday signed the ban making Boston the second city after San Francisco to approve a ban on the products, including dip, chew, or snuff.

Walsh says the consequences of smokeless tobacco are ''real and can be devastating.'' He says he looks forward to making Boston a leader in healthy and active living.

The City Council unanimously approved the ban on Sept. 2. It also applies to collegiate, high school, amateur and youth sports facilities. It goes into effect April 1. Violators face a $250 fine.

Signs will be posted in dugouts, bullpens and training rooms as well as locker rooms, press boxes, television and radio broadcast booths, and bathrooms.