Two New Smoking Bills Introduced in Louisiana

The Times Picayune reports on the introduction of two new smoking bills, and overwhelmingly the reader comments oppose them both.

Rep. Gary Smith, D-Norco, has filed House Bill 844 to ban smoking in “any restaurant or bar.” A state law adopted three years ago banned smoking in restaurants, office buildings and other public places but granted exceptions to bars, gambling boats and casinos.

Commenter feindav expresses a common sentiment:

Don’t get me wrong: I don’t smoke and I hate smelling like smoke after I go out, but this is (used to be) a free country. If a bar wants to ban smoking, go for it; if a bar wants to allow smoking, go for it. Let the people decide.

Many businesses that have operated legitimately for years would be hurt both financially and culturally should this proposed smoking ban be passed, something that we can ill afford in recovering New Orleans. Yet New Orleans’ bars are not alone in this respect: all Louisiana businesses should not have to shoulder such a fiscal burden during these dismal economic times.  Our legislature should be looking for ways to support and encourage Louisiana businesses, not harm and possibly destroy them. Times are already tough enough without the government piling on.

Yet the financial harm these proposed bills would impose on Louisiana businesses is not their only problem: the interference of government in the personal choice of individuals is worse. Individuals are already able to choose for themselves whether or not to patronize a particular business, so why do we need the government stepping in and making the decision for us? A handful of legislators should not be able to decide what is best for us all; the people should decide. Just as customers choose which bars to patronize (and non-smoking options already exist), employees choose where they work and private bar owners choose what to allow on their property. Government is overstepping its bounds when it moves to take that choice away, and that is exactly what is happening now. Stand up and make your voice heard! Contact the Committee on Health and Welfare in both the House and Senate and tell them that you oppose the proposed smoking ban.

You can read Representative Gary Smith’s bill at the Louisiana Legislature’s website by entering 844 under Bill Search, to the right of the box marked HB. To view the bill by Sen. Rob Marionneaux, click to change the HB box to SB and enter 186.