LA Smoke-Free Air Act

Louisiana legislatives recently passed the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act (Act 815) in response to Louisiana citizens who want and deserve the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air. This marks a major turning point for our state, placing Louisiana among national leaders in an effort to protect Americans from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act prohibits smoking in most public places and workplaces, including all restaurants with or without attached bars. Smoking will still be allowed in stand-alone bars and casinos.

The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act also covers:

-Cafeterias
-Sandwich stands
-School cafeterias
-Kitchens
-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 (work areas, employee lounges, restrooms, conference rooms, meeting rooms, classrooms, employee cafeterias, hallways and vehicles)
-Private residences when used for licensed child care, day care or health care facility
-Private cars when used for transporting children for child care, health care or day care centers or those carrying children ages 12 and younger (under Act 838)
-Educational facilities
-Schools (elementary and secondary)
-School buildings (entire campus within school gates and school buses)

To learn how this legislation affects you and the public places that you go, visit The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living