Louisiana: Shreveport debates update to smoke-free workplace ordinance to permit smoking in casinos

Shreveport, Louisiana, is revisiting its smoke-free workplace ordinance as the city council debates whether to allow smoking in casinos. The city became the 30th in the Pelican State to pass a smoke-free ordinance for all workplaces in 2020, but now councilmembers have introduced a resolution to change the rules.

The modifications would allow smoking in casinos, but at least 25% of the space would have to remain smoke-free, reports KTAL. However, health officials are advising against the modification with concerns about casino workers contracting second-hand smoke.

"The city council is focused on the economics of the casinos, but they're not considering the health and wellness of the casino employees," said Dr. Martha Whyte, Office of Public Health. 

Councilman Gary Brooks is piloting this revised ordinance with Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor. He said the ordinance only pertains to the gaming floor, so smoking will remain prohibited in bars and hotels. But opponents argue that the ordinance doesn't take into account the risks of second-hand smoke, especially for casino employees who spend hours working in the gaming area. 

“The surgeon general has said that smoke-free workplace policies are the only way to prevent second-hand smoke exposure at work,” said Alice Kline, American Cancer Society, as per the cited source. “Separating people who smoke from those who don’t, cleaning the air and ventilating the building cannot prevent exposure, if people still smoke inside the building.”

Some local activists also worry that the modifications would threaten the city's smoke-free policy at large, and that workers in other industries would begin to push for similar exemptions. “Two years ago, I stood at this same podium and I said these words,” said Ashley Hebert, Center for Black Health and Equity. “The casino is not here for the community, but you are.” 

Casinos will remain smoke-free until the council votes on the proposal on May 23.