Add all casinos and bars to a statewide workplace smoking ban if new legislation introduced today is approved by Louisiana lawmakers. The push is being spearheaded by the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Louisiana and its Smoke-Free Louisiana Campaign.
The 2006 Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act banned smoking in most public places, including restaurants, but exempted bars and gaming facilities. Since then, 14 cities and municipalities have adopted ordinances to close the gap, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Capital City’s smoking ban in bars and casinos goes into effect June 1.
“It’s been a number of years since our first attempt, and we feel it’s the proper time to implement a more comprehensive statewide bill,” says Ashley Hebert, government relations director at the American Heart Association in Baton Rouge, one of several health organizations involved in the smoke-free campaign.
In addition to bars and casinos, the bill will cover public spaces like airport terminals and bus stops as well. State Rep. Dustin Miller, D-Opelousas, is sponsoring the bill with co-sponsor Rep. Julie Stokes, R-Kenner, Hebert says. The bill will be introduced today for late introduction when the House of Representatives convenes at 3 p.m.
While smoking in Louisiana has been on the decline, the state still has among the highest rates of cigarette use in the nation. About 22% of Louisiana residents smoke, compared to the 15% national average, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also reports more than 20 other states have banned smoking in private worksites, restaurants and bars.
The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Louisiana says only 22% of the state population is protected from secondhand smoke, more than 6,500 Louisianans die from smoking-related causes each year, and it costs the state nearly $1.89 billion annually in health care. The coalition adds that establishing smoke-free workplaces, including bars and casinos, will increase income from visitors, reduce health care costs and improve employee health and productivity.
“It’s time we consider making a good example out of Louisiana,” Hebert says. “No one should have to choose between a paycheck and their health.”
The Louisiana Casino Association opposed local ordinances in Baton Rouge and New Orleans to ban smoking in bars and casinos, and casino representatives in New Orleans have linked the smoking ban to revenue losses, although anti-smoking advocates have disputed those claims.
“This translates into reduced revenue not only for casinos, but for local municipalities and the state,” says Wade Duty, executive director of the Louisiana Casino Association. “Also, we believe patrons are capable of making their own choices as to what establishments they’ll frequent.”
