Statement from the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living…

On June 9, 2020, the Shreveport City Council passed a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance – building upon the state’s 2007 smoke-free law by including bars and gaming facilities. On behalf of the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL), we commend them for their courageous efforts to protect the health and well-being of all Shreveport residents!

This is a significant step towards a smoke-free Louisiana. Shreveport is the third most populous city behind New Orleans and Baton Rouge, which have already passed comprehensive smoke-free ordinances. There are now 30 municipalities in Louisiana that protect residents and workers from secondhand smoke, which represent protection for 27 percent of Louisiana residents.

Louisiana has proven during the COVID-19 pandemic that we can follow prevention measures to benefit the health of our communities. Now is the time to take it one step further. When planning how to reopen during the phased approach, we strongly encourage businesses and communities to consider reopening smoke-free. Our program has resources to help you make that transition.

We are proud to call Louisiana our home. There are so many things that make our state great. Let's ensure providing protection against the dangerous, cancer-causing chemicals of secondhand smoke is on that list. If you have questions or would like additional information on how we can help you take that next step to be smoke-free, please do not hesitate to contact me at TMoore@lphi.org.

Again, a big shout out to the city of Shreveport for continuing the momentum for Healthier Air For All in our state. Visit us at HealthierAirforAll.org or TobaccoFreeLiving.org.

Tonia Moore

Director

Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living

A program of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center and the Louisiana Public Health Institute