Bills try to ignite changes in smoking law

Publication Date: 2007-05-05

• Author:Richard A. Webster
• Publication:New Orleans (LA) City Business

The cigarette is about to stage a comeback in Louisiana if two legislators have their way.

For the legislative session that began Monday, state Reps. Alexander Heaton, D-New Orleans, and Robert Faucheux, D-Gramercy, proposed bills that anti-tobacco forces fear could gut the 2006 Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act.

Heaton's bill would allow smoking in clearly designated, enclosed areas of restaurants with separate ventilation systems. Faucheux's bill would permit smoking in bars located in member-owned private clubs. The Smoke-Free Air Act bans smoking in all public places except for stand-alone bars and casinos.