February 21, 2014

Statement from Mayor Rahm Emanuel on the FDA Ending the Sale and Distribution of Bidis

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

"I applaud the FDA for taking a stand to protect our young people from harmful tobacco products. Research shows that if people start smoking in their youth, they are more likely to be lifelong smokers and so we have a responsibility to our children to do everything we can to stop the addiction before it can begin. That is why Chicago banned bidis more than 10 years ago. Whether it means banning the sale of bidis or prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products near our schools or regulating e-cigarettes to help keep them out of the hands of our youth, the City of Chicago will continue to do everything we can to support the FDA in its efforts to reduce youth smoking."

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