Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business

American Arab Chamber applauds Chicago compromise on flavored tobacco ban

Posted on September 10, 2020September 10, 2020 By Ray Hanania No Comments on American Arab Chamber applauds Chicago compromise on flavored tobacco ban
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

American Arab Chamber applauds Chicago compromise on flavored tobacco ban

Chicago Aldermen adopted a ban on the use of flavored tobacco in vapes that appeal to children under the age of 21. The ordinance was adjusted so as not to undermine the Hookah lounge industry which provides an American Arab cultural experience to people who are 21 years of age or older. An ordinance to ban flavored tobacco sales for vaping was adjusted to exclude Hookah lounges

The American Arab Chamber of Commerce Thursday applauded the Chicago City Council and Aldermen Matt O’Shea and Silvana Tabares for “listening to the concerns” of Arab American business owners in adjusting an ordinance banning the sale of flavored tobacco.

The original ordinance would have prevented Hookah Lounges from providing services to their customers under the ordinance. But after addressing the issue, the proposal was adjusted to only apply to vape-related products, with the support of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and allows Hookah lounges to continue operation. The new ordinance was approved by the City Council on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020.

O’Shea, Tabares and others introduced the flavored tobacco ban ordinance on June 17 in an effort to protect children who are targeted and enticed to smoke because of the candy and fruit flavor of cigarette and vaping products.

“With flavors like candy and chocolate, these products are designed to entice youth, and we as a City have a responsibility to do everything we can to prevent that from happening,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “This ordinance is an important step, but more must be done to protect our young people’s health from vaping and the tobacco industry’s efforts to have them to develop life-threatening habits.”

Both O’Shea, alderman of the 19th Ward, and Tabares, alderman of the 23rd Ward, said they listened to the concerns of small businesses and advocates to protect young people from the harm of cigarette smoking.

“This measure is a good compromise that takes into account the concerns of small business owners, while also taking a step in the right direction to curb the skyrocketing instances of teen vaping, which will only place greater strains on our healthcare system down the road,” Tabares said.

O’Shea said, “I have always been an advocate for Chicago’s children, and I am proud to be the chief sponsor of an ordinance that promotes their health and safety by banning the sale of flavored vaping products.”

American Arab leaders praised Tabares, O’Shea and Mayor Lightfoot for listening and being responsive.

“We are grateful to the Chicago City Council Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Alderman O’Shea for listening to the concerns of our community with respect to how the original law would have an unintended consequence to shut down about 15 to 20 American Arab owned businesses,” said Hassan Nijem the president of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce.”

“The intent of the ordinance was to prevent children, under 21 years of age, from being enticed and drawn to using tobacco products, mainly vaping, with the candied and fruit flavored tobacco. The Hookah Lounge owners prohibit anyone under the age of 21 from entering their establishments and they have promised to be vigilant to continue to enforce that age restriction.”

House of Hookah Lounge, 607 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago
House of Hookah Lounge, 607 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago

Rayid Khalil, who owns House of Hookah at 607 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago and who joined Nijem in providing information on the city’s Hookah lounges to the City Council, also applauded the City Council for “saving jobs and saving businesses” with the ordinance adjustment.

“I would like to commend the council members’ decision to exempt hookah from the recent legislation banning flavored liquid nicotine products. Hookah is a vital component of Middle Eastern culture that has existed for centuries,” Khalil said.

“To be tied to other tobacco products that teens are partaking in would be unfair. At House of Hookah and at the other Hookah lounges, we have always been vigilant to not allow any underage customers to visit our establishment. We pledge to continue our 100% commitment to never allow any underage customers.”

Nijem said that the Chamber, Khalil and other Hookah owners had presented American Arab community concerns to Aldermen O’Shea and Tabares.

“They both took the time to listen to us. We reached out to everyone, but they were among the few who responded and we respect that. They are being responsible city legislators,” Nijem said.

Nijem said the Hookah industry in Chicago employ about 150 people full- and part-time.

“This law under its original language would have forced them all to shut down or relocate to the suburbs. We are hopeful that this will raise the issue with the Illinois Legislature and other suburban communities who want to take action to protect young people,” Nijem said.

“We support that but it can be done in a responsible way that protects businesses and prevents the loss of employees. We hope others have the same concerns for the Hookah industry which is of cultural importance to American Arabs.”

The City has filed a number of lawsuits against vape product manufacturers and retailers for deceptive marketing and illegal sales to kids. Chicago was one of the first cities in the nation to add e-cigarettes to its Clean Indoor Air Ordinance, the first big city to impose a vaping tax, and the first jurisdiction anywhere to include menthol in a flavored tobacco sales ban, which covers stores within 500 feet of high schools.

Numerous other jurisdictions have now passed flavored tobacco bans that include menthol, most recently California. Research shows that menthol cigarettes—most common among African Americans—are more addictive and harder to quit than other tobacco products.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters - October 9, 2025
  • Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations - October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” - October 8, 2025
NPV: 45
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Chicago, News Tags:Aldermen, ban, Chicago City Council, flavored tobacco, Hookah lounges, Hookahs, law, Matt O'Shea, ordinance, restriction, Silvana Tabares, vapes, Vaping

Post navigation

Previous Post: Lyons girls tennis preview
Next Post: O’Brien can’t beat Foxx as a “Republican”

Related Posts

  • J.B. Pritzker receives endorsement from UFCW. Pritzker's Facebook Page
    Pritzker announces more appointments Government
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Aguilar hosted Health Fair for 16th Cook County District Chicago
  • Lyons Police charged Anthony Vicari with Battery on Dec. 10, 2018 in alleged sexual harassment incident in October 2018.
    Lyons Police charge Lyft driver with Battery over alleged sexual assault breaking news
  • Three nabbed for armed robbery News
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials Features
  • CERT Graduates pose with Orland Fire Protection District officials at the board meeting Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District
    OFPD graduates 12 residents in Emergency Training program Fire

More Related Articles

Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving Court victory keeps boy close to his father Chicago
Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving Dad won in court vs. relatives to recover his children and brought them home Jeffery Leving
School District 103 school supplies give-a-way held Jan. 5, 2019 at the Lyons public Community Center. District 103 School Candidates launch Facebook Page Education
Bingo With Santa Orland Township Orland Township’s hosts Bingo with Santa Cook County
Chicago Native Protects U.S. Navy Forces in the Middle East News
Congressman Sean Casten Sean Casten launches new TV Ad slamming extremists in 6th District race Civil Rights

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters
    October 9, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme