About

Louisiana for Fair Tobacco Reform represents the smokers and non-smokers of Louisiana who don’t want government intruding into their lives.  Historically, when our government has taken away our freedoms it has done so gradually. If you are not a smoker then it may seem that today’s issue is one that does not really affect your life. However, what will tomorrow’s issue be? Passing this smoking ban is one step further down the slippery slope of complete government control of your life.

Unless we are willing to stand up in opposition every time government threatens to take away our freedoms, government will repeatedly take our freedoms away.

Louisiana has an eclectic collection of small businesses that cater to smokers. Some of these businesses are Cigar Bars, and several smoking bars in Louisiana are hookah bars. These establishments are small businesses owned and operated by fellow citizens of Middle Eastern descent. While some people in the U.S. think that hookah smoking is a new “fad”, it is in fact an ancient tradition and an integral part of Middle Eastern cultural identity and heritage.  Louisiana’s Middle Eastern community has unfortunately been completely left out of any discussion regarding the proposed smoking ban.

By not including Louisiana’s Middle Eastern minority population in the discussion regarding the smoking ban, the Louisiana Legislature is exhibiting scorn and contempt for their important cultural traditions.

Today, at this very moment, there are able-bodied, capable people who are unemployed because of Louisiana’s smoking ban in restaurants. These people worked at establishments that specifically catered to smokers. Advocates of the smoking ban often argue that it is necessary to protect the health of the employees who are being forced to work in such unhealthy conditions.  This argument is foolish as no one is ever forced to work anywhere. Meanwhile, these unemployed workers who chose to work at a private business that allowed smoking have no hope of their jobs returning.

Fairness in smoking reform means that there are jobs available for people who do not want to be exposed to smoke, and also jobs for people in businesses that cater to smokers.

Business Members:

Birdies Cigar Bar Prairieville, LA

Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar

Hookah Cafe

Attiki Bar & Grill

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