Louisiana Public Health Institute
FACT:
Secondhand smoke is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer and coronary heart disease in nonsmoking adults.

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LOUISIANA SMOKE-FREE AIR ACT Resources

ACT 815 & WORKPLACES

How do I know if my workplace or business is covered by Act 815?

Most public places are to comply with this new law. The following workplaces and public places are specifically covered:

  • Restaurants, bars located within the restaurants, including cafeterias, sandwich stands, school cafeterias, kitchens and catering facilities
  • Banks
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Hotel/Motel lobbies
  • Public transportation
  • Sports arenas
  • Theaters
  • Shopping malls
  • Laundromats
  • Reception areas/waiting rooms
  • Retail stores
  • Places of employment including work areas, employee lounges, restrooms, conference rooms, meeting rooms, classrooms, employee cafeterias, warehouses, hallways and vehicles
  • Private residences when used for licensed child care, adult day care or as a healthcare facility
  • Private cars when used to transport children to child care, health care or adult day care centers and any vehicle carrying children 13 and under (Act 838)
  • Educational facilities
  • Schools pre-K through grade 12, school buildings, the entire campus (including outdoors) within school property and all school buses

When does The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act become law?
Beginning January 1, 2007, all businesses covered by the law must become smoke-free.

How do I ensure that my business properly follows or complies with the new law?
You should begin by removing ALL ashtrays from the business including restrooms and other places where smoking may occur. Clearly display No Smoking signs or the international No Smoking Symbol within the business. You can download one for FREE.

Can I get in trouble if my business does not follow the law?
Yes. There are fines for both smokers and business owners who break the law.
_Fines for individuals: _$25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense, and $100 for the third and subsequent offenses.
_Fines for employers/business owners: _$100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for the third and subsequent offenses.

Who is responsible for enforcing the new law?
Law enforcement officers will issue fines to those who break the law by writing a ticket or summons to appear before court. Half of the fines collected will go directly to the Department of Health and Hospitals’ Tobacco Control Program.

Why is it important to decrease my employees exposure to secondhand smoke?
There are several important reasons to reduce worker exposure:

  • Diseases related to secondhand smoke exposure claim the lives of an estimated 650 to 1,150 Louisianans each year
  • A smoke-free workplace saves on the bottom line WORKERS LIVES
  • Business will likely increase since the majority of Louisianans-approximately 75%-do not smoke

Why should I make my business smoke-free even if I am not required to do so by law?
Direct health care costs to the company may be reduced

  • Costs go down as office equipment, carpet and furniture last longer due to the elimination of smoke, in facilities
  • Lower premiums on health, life and disability coverage as employee smoking among employees is reduced
  • Reduction in the cost of fire insurance, workers compensation and employee absenteeism