City of Alexandria enacts 100% smoke-free work place policy (including bars and gaming facilities).

Facts & Information about the Alexandria Ordinance

The passage of a local policy, in Alexandria on October 4th, to make all workplaces smoke-free for all employees, represents an exciting turning point for public health in Louisiana. The Alexandria Smoke-Free Ordinance (Ordinance 148-2011), effective January 1, 2012, prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places of employment, including bars and gaming facilities.

Thanks to the Members of the Alexandria City Council for their unanimous support in response to citizens who want and deserve the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air at work. We will all breathe a little easier in the upcoming year and beyond. When The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act (Act 815) passed in 2006 it eliminated smoking in restaurants and most public places, it also gave local governments the ability to enact stronger local smoke-free policies. Alexandria’s Smoke-Free Ordinance is the first of its kind in the State of Louisiana. Alexandria is not only a leader in our state; Alexandria is now among national leaders in an effort to protect Americans from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Alexandria’s Smoke-Free Ordinance Eliminates Smoking In:

• Bars
• Gaming Facilities
• Common and Outdoor Areas of Multiple-Unit Residential Facilities
• Retail Tobacco Businesses
• Public Transportation Vehicles
• City-owned Public Transportation Stations, Platforms, and Shelters
• Outdoor Playgrounds
• And, within 25 feet of all entrances to public places.

How to Comply

No Smoking signs, or the international No Smoking symbol must be clearly posted, and ashtrays must be removed where smoking is prohibited. Penalties may be cited by any code enforcement officer by giving a citation or summons to appear before a court of proper authority.

Non-Compliance

Fines for individuals and employees for non-compliance are the same: $100 for the ?rst violation, $250 for the second violation (within 1 year), and $500 for the third or subsequent offense. These are the same fines for individuals and employees of all other places where smoking is prohibited.

In addition to the fines, violation of this ordinance by an employer or business owner may result in the suspension or revocation of any permit or license issued to the employer or business owner for the premises on which the violation occurred.

The Louisiana Tobacco Quitline

Quitting smoking can be a dif?cult decision to make, especially on your own. The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL), along with its partners, offers several statewide services to provide counseling and support to those ready to quit.

The Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW provides free and con?dential advice and support to Louisiana residents, ages 13 and older, who are ready to quit smoking. Certi?ed counseling is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to help callers kick the habit and improve the quality of their lives. We at TFL are here to support nonsmokers and smokers alike, particularly in these times of new legislation.

We are extremely pleased with the positive step the City of Alexandria and its leaders took to protect all employees from secondhand smoke in the workplace. With continued hard work, all Louisiana employees will someday be protected from secondhand smoke in their place of work.

For more information about how this policy affects you and the places you visit or to get information about cessation services offered by The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living and its partners, visit www.quitwithusla.org or www.tobaccofreeliving.org.

Please contact jgilchrist@lphi.org if you have any additional questions or need more information.

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