Community Roundtables Help Provide Clarity for Business Owners to Comply With the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act

At Community Roundtable meetings this morning, members of the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Louisiana offered clarification and insight about the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act. Representatives from local law enforcement, area businesses, restaurants, and schools had the opportunity ask questions about the new law and discuss proper compliance, enforcement and the option that now exists for municipalities to enact local smoke-free laws that are stronger that the states law.

There are few exemptions in the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act businesses that are licensed as bars, casinos and charitable gaming facilities, tobacco shops, private residences and automobiles (unless such a home or vehicle is used for health care or day care), up to 50% of hotel motel rooms, and private convention functions are the only exceptions, says Cheryl Klein, Regional Coordinator of The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living. Inquiries about the law have, in most cases, been about specific businesses and enforcement questions, adds Klein.

In general, the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act, which went into effect January 1, 2007, eliminates smoking in most public places and work places, including restaurants that have bars. Businesses that employ one or more individuals and enclosed public places where the general public is permitted or invited must be smoke-free.
Today, the Coalition for Tobacco-Free Living offered the following clarification to common questions raised regarding the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act:

Restaurants and eating areas within casinos and off track betting facilities must be smoke-free.

Bingo halls licensed as charitable gaming facilities with the Louisiana Department of Revenue can allow smoking; however, restaurants and eating areas inside bingo halls must be smoke-free.

Smoking and the use of tobacco products are not allowed in all Pre-K through 12 school buildings, campuses and property, busses and school property located off campus. This includes tracks and outdoor sporting arenas/facilities and school property located away from school grounds.

On college and university campuses, smoking is prohibited inside all buildings such as offices, classrooms, student unions, cafeterias and libraries. Colleges and universities can create their own policies to prohibit smoking in outdoor areas.

The state law does not restrict smoking within a certain distance from doorways and entrances.
In addition to the change brought on by the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act, local governments now have the freedom to enact and enforce smoke-free laws that are stronger than the states law which currently excludes bars, casinos and other businesses. Across Louisiana, several communities including Baton Rouge and Monroe have already enacted laws that limit smoking within a certain distance of business entrances and doorways.

Enforcement of the new law is straight forward. Just as local law enforcement officers issue tickets for speeding or jaywalking, citations will be issued for businesses or individuals that do not follow the law. No one is going to be arrested for smoking in restricted areas, but individuals and businesses will be cited and fined, says Terri Broussard, Louisiana Advocacy Director for the American Heart Association. Citizens who are concerned about businesses that are not following the law should first speak to management and request that their business follow the law. If that doesnt work, people should call their local non-emergency law enforcement number to file a complaint. Businesses and individuals who do not follow the law face fines that range from $25-$100 for individuals, and $100-$500 for businesses.

Fostering ongoing dialogue and opportunities for education and community engagement are important to help everyone better understand and enforce the law on their own accord. The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Louisiana will continue to provide resources to help the public embrace and follow the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act, adds Broussard.

Free information and resources including free downloadable no smoking signs to help business owners and the general public understand and comply with the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act are available online at www.tobaccofreeliving.org or toll-free at 1-866-I-AM-4-TFL.

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