Chicago smoking

The Emanuel administration touted the change as "an early independence day" from smoking.

White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf endorsed the ban, as aldermen pondered the "enforcement mechanism."

Aldermen on Wednesday approved a new set of tobacco taxes in addition to raising the age to buy tobacco.

Aldermen said the new taxes would increase crime and hurt small businesses, especially in border wards.

A tweak to a proposed ordinance earned committee approval, but a full council vote was delayed.

A move to raise tobacco taxes and put money toward high-school orientation met resistance.

The proposal also would set a minimum price for a pack of cigarettes at $11.50.

Ald. Joe Moreno's proposal shifts the tax to the volume of liquid nicotine instead of taxing containers.

The city kicked off its second annual "Nobody Quits Like Chicago" campaign against smoking.

Big Tobacco is "not welcome" in the City of the Big Shoulders, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.

But a joint City Council committee advanced new restrictions on flavored cigarettes, especially menthols.

The devices would not be able to be used indoors and their sale would be limited to adults.

Anti-smoking groups supported the city more than doubling its tax on cigarettes as a public-health issue.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said there was "no" chance of compromise on a 75-cent-a-pack increase.

Nontaxed smokes and the sale of single "loosies" are targeted.