New ordinance prohibits smoking in Louisiana bars and casinos

As of June 1, 2018, it is illegal to smoke in Louisiana bars, sports arenas and casinos.

The new ordinance extended the 2007 statewide-smoke free law to now include previously exempt businesses, such as bars and casinos the right to breathe clean air.

In an effort to protect bartenders, gaming facility employees and entertainers from the health risks of secondhand smoke, city leaders are joining forces to implement the elongated smoke-free initiative.

The Smoke-Free East Baton Rouge Coalition, members of the East Baton Rouge Metro Council, representatives from the office of Mayor Broome, BRPD and others are holding a press briefing at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 1 at The Bulldog.

Twenty-five states have implemented comprehensive smoke-free laws that cover workplaces, restaurants and bars, according to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

Those states include the following:

Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

Colorado, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Mexico and North Carolina have policies that cover just restaurants and bars.