Smoke-free New Orleans

Workers, patrons and tourists across New Orleans have been breathing more easily for a year, thanks to the city’s smoke-free ordinance that covers all workplaces, including restaurants, bars, and casinos. On the one-year anniversary of the law going into effect, we celebrate the fact that millions of people have avoided exposure to the cancer-causing toxins found in secondhand tobacco smoke during their time in the Big Easy. And, our businesses continue to thrive in this healthier environment.

It took years of hard work by dedicated volunteers and organizations to pass this ordinance. Countless citizens contacted their lawmakers, told their stories and fought to get the smoke out of our great city.

I am thankful for the passionate leadership of Councilmembers LaToya Cantrell and Susan Guidry, for the other members of the city council who voted unanimously to pass the ordinance, and for Mayor Mitch Landrieu for signing the measure into law. Because of them, workers in New Orleans no longer have to risk their health to earn a paycheck.

– Selina Boone

This article originally published in the May 9, 2016 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.