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

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • 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
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • 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
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings Government
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers elections
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans Books & Films
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law Baby Boomers
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits Business
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois Business
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
    Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit Chicago
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment Entertainment
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns Blogger
  • Orland Township Summer Picnic 2023
    Orland Township Youth Commission Summer Picnic Education
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, 19th Senate District
    Senator Hastings shepherds law readying South Suburban Airport opening Federal
  • On Tuesday, May 16th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar joined Leyden Township officials to kick-off Commissioner Aguilar’s new Leyden Township satellite office. The event included elected officials, community organizations, and residents from throughout the 16th District.
    Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Opens Satellite Office in Leyden Township Cook County
  • Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Children taken out of state returned to father by Dads’ Rights attorney Chicago
  • Barbecue BBQ hamburgers grill. Photo by Joshua Kantarges on Unsplash
    Orland Fire District hosts monthly barbecues for the public June 7 Events

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
            
 
  

Loading

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.

  • 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.  

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 rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings - May 26, 2023
  • Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans - May 24, 2023
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits - May 23, 2023
  • 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

  • Prayers answered in Lyons News
  • Early voting in Lyons News
  • Celebrating 37 years of holiday magic, this year’s Kwik Star Festival of Trees returns to the RiverCenter in downtown Davenport, Iowa, on November 19-27 in the Quad Cities
    Quad Cities Festival of Trees Ushers in the Holiday Season Entertainment
  • Two charged with beating 2-year-old News
  • Cook COunty Commissioner Frank Aguilar Family Resource Fair Oct. 2022
    Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar hosts Family Resource Fair at district office Cook County
  • Domino’s is looking to hire 2,000 new employees across 113 franchise-owned locations across Chicagoland. All of the new positions offered are for delivery drivers, pizza makers, customer service
    Domino’s Pizza to hire 2,000 more in Chicagoland Business

More Related Articles

Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States sworn in on Jan 20, 2021. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Zogby Poll shows Biden holds small but weak lead over Trump elections
Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, 19th Senate District Senator Hastings thanks voters for support in re-election to 19th Senate District seat breaking news
Home sales up in Chicago suburbs in April News
Chicago Wolves take Game 3 for 2nd win in the Calder Cup Finals 2022 over Springfield Thunderbirds. Chicago Wolves seize Calder Cup Finals lead over Springfield Thunderbirds Chicago
Lyons Mayor Christopher Getty congratulates James Koc after he was sworn in for the Zoning Board of Appeals. Koc's wife Terry is in the center. (Photos by Steve Metsch) James Koc rejoins Lyons ZBA News
Original Pancake House News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns
    May 22, 2023
  • The Berlin Cleopatra, a Roman sculpture of Cleopatra wearing a royal diadem, mid-1st century BC (around the time of her visits to Rome in 46–44 BC), discovered in an Italian villa along the Via Appia and now located in the Altes Museum in Germany. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Was Cleopatra Black or White and why it matters
    April 29, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau wears a "Police" badge on his shirt during his political attacks made from his taxpayer funded village pulpit.
    Orland Park Mayor Pekau’s lies cost him the election, again
    April 12, 2023
  • Store destroyed by looters and arsonists who participated in the Black Lives Matter protests in Chicago at the end of May 2020. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has abandoned victims of looting along with the members of the Chicago Police Department. Photo courtesy Ray Hanania
    New and extremist Chicago political Machine takes over
    April 11, 2023
  • Ray Hanania
    Seniors being abandoned by extremist politics on both sides
    April 6, 2023
  • Illegal placement of election signs should be prosecuted
    April 5, 2023

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Youth charged with attemp... Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township s... posted on May 11, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia National Association for... National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies... posted on May 10, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss Crystal Tree homeowner fr... Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won't address his concerns Dr. Robe... posted on May 22, 2023
  • the proposed map of the Chicago School Board Districts released by Illinois Senate Democrats. Courtesy of the CHicago GOP Proposed Chicago School D... Proposed Chicago School District map is a "gerrymandered disgrace" Chicago... posted on May 7, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon Senator Michael Hasting e... Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health C... posted on May 24, 2023
  • 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
    May 27, 2023
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings
    May 26, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits
    May 23, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Senator Michael Hastings supports bill to protect consumers from pesky auto-renewal charges
    March 18, 2023
  • Wreaths Across America Radio logo
    Wreaths Across America Radio Announces New Strategic Partnerships with Veteran Radio Programs
    February 6, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

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.

Ziyad Brothers Ad Taste of Middle East

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Chicago Hounds rugby at Seat Geek Stadium July 8, 2023
    Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party
    May 11, 2023
  • Chicago Fire FC will continue its 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign against St. Louis CITY SC in the Round of 32 at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 9 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.
    Chicago Fire FC to Face St. Louis CITY SC in 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 at SeatGeek Stadium
    April 29, 2023
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Terrorist Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin who is guilty of massacring civilians in his war against Ukraine. Photo credit Wikipedia
    International Education Delegation Visits Ukraine to Stand with Country’s Children, Teachers
    May 10, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies
    May 10, 2023
John Kass Columns

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

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits
    May 23, 2023
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois
    May 23, 2023
  • Craft Fair photo courtesy of Emily Webster and Unsplash.com
    Artisan and craft vendor’s wanted for Cicero Farmer’s Market and Artisan Fair in June
    May 5, 2023
  • Hyundai Sonata. Photo courtesy of Hyundai
    Hyundai and AAA Insurers Collaborate to Offer Insurance Options for Customers Affected by Method of Theft Popularized on TikTok
    April 14, 2023

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme