CHICAGO, Ill. – Feb. 28, 2017 – Aldermen Ed Burke and Patrick Thompson recently introduced an ordinance that would exempt certain retailers from restrictions on flavored tobacco sales. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Respiratory Health Association released the following statement in response.
“For the second time in less than six months, the Chicago City Council is considering weakening protections on our kids’ health. It’s shameful to see any proposal that would make it easier for young people to begin a tobacco addiction.
“There’s a reason our city prohibits flavored tobacco sales within 500 feet of high schools. We know these products are marketed directly to kids and create an effortless initiation into smoking by concealing the harshness of tobacco. By limiting how and where these products are sold, we begin to undo the damage Big Tobacco has inflicted on our communities.
“But this ordinance takes us many steps backward. An exemption process would open more doors for kids to be exposed to this dangerous messaging and would make it easier for students to access harmful tobacco products. In short, this is a move that only benefits the tobacco industry.
“The City Council already weakened safeguards on tobacco sales by allowing these products to be sold near elementary schools. Enough is enough. We urge our aldermen to stand against this measure and stand up for Chicago kids’ health.”