Smoke-Free Ordinance

Ten Years Smoke Free

The New Orleans Health Department is thrilled to be celebrating the ten year anniversary of the Smoke Free Air Act (SFAA). For the past ten years, the SFAA has protected residents, workers, and visitors from the harmful effects of indoor second-hand smoke. In a recent NOLA SFAA Survey, three-quarters of respondents said that smoke free air had made New Orleans a better or much better place to live. 

The act, which took effect in April 2015, was a landmark moment for Louisiana and the region. The policy was one of the first comprehensive smoke-free ordinances in the South to include bars and casinos. Since its passage, it has helped reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, protected the health of hospitality workers, and encouraged tobacco cessation.

Smoke-Free Ordinance

New Orleans has joined almost 700 cities nationwide in going smoke-free. In January 2015, the City of New Orleans created a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance. In addition to smoking restrictions that already exist under state law, the City places restrictions on smoking and vaping (use of electronic smoking devices) in many locations across New Orleans.

Why "Smoke-Free" is Important

Smoke-Free protects the public’s health by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and encouraging smokers to quit. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. It causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases (such as emphysema), and diabetes. More than 20 million people in the United States have died from smoking-related diseases since 1964, including 2.5 million nonsmokers as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Resources

• Letter mailed to local businesses about the ordinance.
• Business Toolkit to help business owners understand and implement the ordinance.
• Model No Smoking or Vaping Sign
• Chart: Overview of Where Smoking is Prohibited and Allowed Under the Ordinance.

Law

• Health Department Regulations: governing education, required signage, and complaints against non-compliant businesses.
• Smoke-Free Ordinance
• State Law: Louisiana Smokefree Air Act

Register to Receive a Business Toolkit

If smoking or vaping is prohibited in your business under the Smoke-Free ordinance, please register to receive a business toolkit by mail. The toolkit contains an overview of the ordinance and frequently asked questions, an implementation checklist, a model “no smoking or vaping” sign, employee training material, and resources to help smokers quit.