Why Are We Here?

The Louisiana legislature is considering an extension of the existing state smoking law to bars thereby allowing smoking only in cigar shops and casinos. We believe that this legislation goes too far. Louisiana’s adults are already free to choose whether or not to patronize a bar with or without smoking, and they do not need the government stepping in and taking that choice away. Similarly, employees are able to choose whether or not to work in businesses that allow smoking, just as private bar owners are able to choose whether or not to have smoking on their premises. The government has no right to step in and decide what is best for everyone. We the people should be able to decide for ourselves.

Furthermore, such a ban would cause financial harm to many Louisiana businesses already struggling in these dire economic times.  For the Louisiana Legislature to add to their fiscal burden shows a callous indifference to the important role such small businesses play in providing much-needed jobs and tax revenue in our struggling economy.  The State of Louisiana needs to support its businesses in today’s downturn, not push them to the brink of collapse with ill-considered legislation.

We believe that people who choose to smoke should be allowed to go to bars and businesses that specifically cater to smokers. We also believe that there should be an exception to any ban allowing for the cultural uses of tobacco, most importantly hookah smoking. Currently Louisiana’s Middle Eastern community has been completely left out of any discussion regarding the smoking ban despite the important role of hookah smoking to their heritage. By ignoring this tradition the Louisiana legislature shows great contempt for the culture of Louisianans of Middle Eastern descent. Such scorn is simply not acceptable, and we urge our legislators to allow for cultural exceptions to any proposed smoking ban.

What is at stake here is having the freedom to choose for yourself how you want to live your life. Private citizens do not need the government meddling in every single aspect of their lives, and a smoking ban is just the first step down the slippery slope of government elimination of your freedoms. There will always be people out there who will stop at nothing to take away your right to smoke and who think that they have the right to tell you how to live your life. Through their lobbying efforts and the acquiescence of government they will eventually force their will onto you.  Unless, that is, you find a way to stand up and make your voice heard. Unite with us to fight this un-American legislation today!

Update: In 2010, Louisiana For Fair Tobacco Reform expanded to represent all businesses that oppose smoking bans in Louisiana, even if the currently proposed legislation does not directly effect them. (See the updated Aboutsection)