The city of Shreveport becomes smoke-free beginning August 8, thanks in part to the efforts of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL), a cancer prevention program of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center. TFL partnered with other state, local, and national organizations to convince elected officials in the state’s third largest city to go smoke-free in all workplaces, including bars and gaming facilities. Shreveport is the 30th municipality in Louisiana to pass a comprehensive indoor smoke-free ordinance.

Louisiana’s Smoke-Free Air Act bans smoking in most public places and workplaces since 2007 but does not include bars and gaming facilities.

TFL Regional Manager Feamula Bradley said the ordinance will protect employees from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, which contains potential cancer-causing chemicals. Bradley says the fact that the ordinance is comprehensive means workers in the bar, entertainment, and gaming industries will finally be protected.  “This ordinance will protect gaming workers and individuals that actually work on the casino floor as well as those who work in bars,” she explained.

According to the American Lung Association, the rate of new lung cancer cases in Louisiana is significantly higher than the national rate of 59.6. It ranks 38th among all states, placing it in the below average tier, costing the state almost $1.85 billion in health care costs annually.

The Shreveport City Council’s meeting was held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It did not deter the determination of those working towards healthier air for all. “We worked with the community, our regional coalition, volunteers, supporters, and bar and gaming employees to provide virtual testimony and letters to each council person,” explained TFL Director Tonia Moore.  

It’s believed to be the first smoking ban in the country to be enacted in a virtual setting.

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