NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The city of New Orleans is on its way to becoming 100% smoke free. The New Orleans City Council unanimously voted in favor of the smoke-free ban Thursday, which makes it illegal to smoke in all ‘enclosed’ public spaces, including bars, casinos, and hotels.
On Thursday, council members amended the ordinance taking out the ban on smoking at festivals and public parks. And they reduced the distance a smoker must stand outside a businesses, which was originally 25-feet.
As it is written currently, the ban includes e-cigarettes.
Violators could get fined between $100 for the first offense and a $500 fine for a third. The ordinance will go into effect 90 days after the mayor approves it.
“We are tremendously grateful to all the key city officials who stood up and took action to protect the health of all employees;” said Tonia Moore, Associate Director, the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living. “We want to send a special thanks to the ordinance sponsors Councilwoman Latoya Cantrell and Susan Guidry. These leaders not only did the right thing for the health of all New Orleans citizens, but they have continued paving the way for other cities and the state to hopefully do the same.”
On Thursday, council members also amended the ordinance to say that New Orleans Police did not have to enforce the ban.
The amendment now awaits Mayor Mitchell Landrieu’s approval.