#SmokefreeShreveport
As of August 1, 2021, Shreveport is smoke-free!
In June 2020, the Shreveport City Council voted to pass a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance making all workplaces smoke-free including bars and gaming facilities. In July 2020, the Council voted to delay implementation for casinos and bars until August 2021. The current Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act (Act 815), established in January 2007, prohibits smoking in most public places and workplaces, including all restaurants with or without attached bars; it did not include bars and gaming facilities.
WHERE IS INDOOR SMOKING PROHIBITED?
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Bars
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Casinos
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Restaurants
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Workplaces
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Hotels and Motels
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Schools (preschool to post- secondary)
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Private Clubs
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Convention facilities during Mardi Gras Balls
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Common areas of multi-unit housing, including apartment complexes and condos Buildings and vehicles owned, leased, occupied, or operated by the City or State
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Prisons and other correctional facilities
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Public places enclosed by two or more walls/barriers
WHERE IS OUTDOOR SMOKING PROHIBITED?
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Workplaces, such as construction sites
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Sports arenas, stadiums, amphitheaters, and grandstands (except during concerts, fairs, farmers markets, festivals, and parades)
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Recreational areas with playground equipment
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State law prohibits smoking within 200 feet of outside building entrances and windows
WHERE IS SMOKING ALLOWED?
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Private homes, unless used as a licensed child care, adult day-care, or health care facility
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Private and semi-private rooms in health care facilities, when requested by all occupants in writing
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Cigar bars and hookah lounges, as defined in the ordinance
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Tobacco businesses
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Electronic smoking device businesses, as defined in the ordinance
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Designated sections of OUTDOOR seating, serving areas, balconies, and courtyards of bars, restaurants, casinos, and gaming venues
AS A BUSINESS OWNER OR EMPLOYER, HOW DO I COMPLY WITH THE ORDINANCE?
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Post “no smoking” signs. Hang in plain view at all major entrances to your business and at the entrance to all restrooms.
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Remove all ashtrays and other smoking receptacles.
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Ask individuals smoking on the premises to stop, and to step outside.
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Smoking outside of your establishment is not allowed within 200 feet of any entrance/exit, windows, or air intake system.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR A VIOLATION?
A person who violates the ordinance shall incur a fine of $25 for the first offense, $50 for second offense, and $100 for third and subsequent offenses. An employer who violates the ordinance shall incur a fine of $100 for first offense, $250 for second offense, and $500 for third and subsequent offenses within the same year.
HOW WILL THE ORDINANCE BE ENFORCED?
The owner, manager or operator of an area open to the public covered by the ordinance must make a reasonable effort to prevent smoking. Reported violations may be cited by any law enforcement officer with the issuance of a citation and a summons to appear in court.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF A CUSTOMER IS SMOKING?
Most smokers want to follow the rules and want to know when smoking is allowed or prohibited. You can communicate the law to customers who may not know about the new ordinance using gentle, positive, and clear messages.
Here are a few suggestions on ways you can handle this situation:
“A city ordinance no longer allows smoking indoors. I’m sorry, but you will have to step outside to smoke.”
“The new smoke-free ordinance prohibits smoking in here. Thank you for your cooperation.”
“We are under a smoke-free ordinance that prohibits smoking indoors. I need to ask you to put out your cigarette (or refrain from using your e- cigarette).”
Remember: Speak respectfully. Direct the smoker to the nearest place where he or she can smoke. If the smoker refuses to comply, let the manager on duty or security personnel handle it. If necessary, use your normal protocol for removing a disruptive customer from your premises.
Shreveport is now serving smoke-free air.
Download #SmokefreeShreveport Materials Here
