LA Smoke-Free Air Act: Act 815 & Restaurants

What does this mean for my restaurant?
All Louisiana restaurants will be smoke-free.

How does this impact the patio/outside area of restaurants? Can they be smoke-free?
Outdoor spaces can be designated as either smoking or non smoking by the owner or manager of the restaurant, however, it is the responsibility of the owner or manager to post the appropriate signs in these areas.

Are the bars inside of restaurants smoke-free?
Yes.

What about restaurants that have video poker?
They too are smoke-free.

What should I do to ensure that my restaurant obeys the new law?
Remove ALL ashtrays from the establishment and clearly display No Smoking signs or the international No Smoking Symbol within the restaurant. You can download one for FREE.

Can I get in trouble if my restaurant does not follow the law?
Yes. There are fines for both smokers and business owners who break the law.

Fines for individuals: _$25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense, and $100 for the third and subsequent offenses.

Fines for employers/business owners: _$100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for the third and subsequent offenses.

Going Smoke-Free just makes cents
Not only does going smoke-free satisfy growing customer needs, but it is financially favorable for businesses. Numerous studies have shown that businesses that go smoke-free suffer no negative economic impact. In many cases, the businesses even see a profit.

Going smoke-free cuts both employee and operating costs. Smoke-free environments create healthier employees, who in turn are more productive, have less absenteeism, file fewer worker compensation claims, cost less to insure, and do not turn over as frequently as unhealthy employees.

Smoke-free workplaces also need no additional ventilation system and suffer less damage requiring cleaning, repairs, or repainting. Many insurance companies are now rewarding smoke-free restaurants through discounted fire and property insurance rates.

Myths and Truths
There is a lot of inaccurate information about the impact of creating a smoke-free establishment where smoking was previously allowed.

Here are the facts:

Myth: Going smoke-free is bad for business.
Truth: Studies have shown no negative economic impact for businesses that go smoke-free.

Myth: Smokers will not eat at a restaurant with a no-smoking policy.
Truth: Many smokers do not like breathing or smelling others smoke while they dine.

A survey published in the 2003 Zagat Guide to New Orleans Restaurants showed that 70% of those surveyed support complete smoking bans in restaurants. Also, two-thirds of Louisiana residents support smoke-free restaurants.