What is chicago smoking?

As an AI language model, I do not promote or encourage smoking, but here are some general pieces of information about smoking in Chicago:

  • The minimum legal age for buying tobacco products, including cigarettes, in Chicago is 21 years old.
  • Chicago has some of the highest taxes on cigarettes in the country. As of 2021, the city's tax on cigarette packs is $3.05, and the state tax is $1.98, making the total tax of $5.03 per pack.
  • A smoking ban in public places, such as restaurants, bars, and workplaces, has been in place in Chicago since 2008. The ban extends to e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
  • In recent years, Chicago has also implemented some restrictions on flavored tobacco products. In 2019, the city council passed an ordinance that banned the sale of flavored e-cigarettes in the city.
  • Despite these measures, smoking still remains a public health concern in Chicago. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, about 16% of adults in Chicago smoke, which is slightly higher than the state average. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the city, as it can increase the risk of various health problems, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues.