Blanco Pressured On Proposed Smoking Ban

Publication Date: 2006-06-28

• Author:Associated Press
• Publication:wdsu.com

Gov. Kathleen Blanco is under pressure from two directions as she decides whether to sign a bill that would ban smoking in all Louisiana restaurants and most other public buildings, though not in casinos and bars.

Blanco has said she would sign the measure; she has until July 10 to act. If she does nothing, it will become law and take effect on Jan. 1.

However, restaurant industry officials have pushed for a veto, arguing that the measure favors bars over restaurants. . . .

Anti-smoking advocates have sought a meeting or conference call with Blanco, to push her to sign the measure.

Terri Broussard, of the American Heart Association, and Zoey Devall, of the American Cancer Society in Louisiana, wrote to Blanco legislative aide Hunt Downer noting the recent release of a report by U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona confirming the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.