Louisiana state Rep. Dustin Miller recently introduced a bill that would make all workplaces, including casinos, gaming facilities and bars smoke-free. Smoking was banned in restaurants in 2007. Miller, a nurse practitioner, said, “Today’s campaign announcement is the first step in moving Louisiana to be a healthier state. We are losing too many loved ones to diseases that are largely preventable.”
Fourteen municipalities in Louisiana already have passed smoking bans, including Baton Rouge and Lafayette in 2017, Bogalusa in 2016 and New Orleans and Hammond in 2015.
The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Louisiana kicked off its Smoke-Free Louisiana campaign in conjunction with Miller’s legislation. Spokeswoman Raegan Carter said, “This legislation is so important simply because it is protecting the health and safety of all Louisiana citizens.” She added an individual working in a casino or bar should not have to risk their livelihood. “It’s important to make sure that we’re protecting all Louisiana citizens because we believe that no one should have to choose between their health and a paycheck,” she said.
If the bill is approved, Louisiana would become the 18th state to implement a statewide smoking ban.
