City of West Monroe Establishes Smoke-Free Parks
Facts & Information about the Monroe, West Monroe and Ouachita Parish Ordinance
The passage of a local policy, in Monroe, West Monroe and Ouachita Parish in October 2013, to make all workplaces 100% smoke-free, represents another exciting turning point for public health in Louisiana. The Smoke-Free Ordinance, effective January 2, 2014, prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places of employment, including bars and gaming facilities.
Thanks to the Monroe, West Monroe and Ouachita Parish policymakers for their support in response to citizens who want and deserve clean, healthier, smoke-free air, 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, but exempted bars and gaming facilities, it also gave local governments the ability to enact stronger local smoke-free policies. Monroe, West Monroe and Ouachita Parish are now among other Louisiana municipalities and national leaders in an effort to protect all from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
In October 2011, Alexandria unanimously passed the first 100% local smoke-free ordinance in the state, the town of Woodworth passed the second one in April 2012. Under Act 211, all public universities statewide will be required to develop smoke-free campus policies by August 2014. Louisiana state and local policymakers are beginning to "Join the Movement" to make Louisiana "Healthier for All", now Monroe, West Monroe and Ouachita Parish can proudly say they are part of this movement as well!
Monroe, West Monroe and Ouachita Parish Smoke-Free Ordinances Eliminates Smoking In:
- Bars
- Gaming Facilities
- Common and Outdoor Areas of Multiple-Unit Residential Facilities
- Public Transportation Vehicles
- City-owned Public Transportation Stations, Platforms, and Shelters
- Outdoor Playgrounds — in and within 15 feet
- And, within 5 feet of the main entrance to public places (Monroe ONLY)
- 15 feet from windows and ventilation intake (Monroe ONLY)
- Patios where food and beverages are served (West Monroe and Ouachita Parish ONLY)
- Healthcare Facilities
E-Cigarettes are also prohibited.
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
There are fines for individuals and employees who are in violation of the smoke-free ordinances in Monroe, West Monroe and Ouachita Parish.
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
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. For more information about cessation services offered by The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) and its partners, visit www.quitwithusla.org or www.tobaccofreeliving.org.
The Smoking Cessation Trust
If you are a Louisiana Resident who started smoking cigarettes before September 1, 1988, Smoking Cessation Trust offers FREE medications, group and individual counseling, and quit line coaching to help you quit for good. Call 504.529.5665 or 855.259.6346 or enroll online at www.smokingcessationtrust.org.
Please contact jhaneline@lphi.org if you have any additional questions or need more information.
