Summary
- Shreveport banned workplace smoking in 2020.
- Modifications would allow smoking in casinos with 25% or more smoke-free.
- Health officials advise against the change.
In most US states where casino smoking is still allowed, efforts are being made to stop patrons from lighting up. In Louisiana, one parish wants to add smoking back in. Shreveport passed an ordinance in 2020 to ban all workplace smoking.
Now, two city council members want to walk back the decision and allow smoking on the majority of the casino floor.
Councilman Gary Brooks is behind the effort with support from Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor. The ordinance involves the gaming floor only where blackjack and roulette tables are located and as much as 25% or more must be smoke-free. Smoking will not be allowed at the casino bars or hotels.
The casinos will remain a smoke-free environment until the council members vote on May 23. It is unclear if the change has any more support, but it certainly has plenty of opposition. Health officials feel that city council members are more concerned about the economy than the health and wellness of its employees.
We have yet to learn why Brooks decided to pursue the change, but it seems health officials and employees feel the decision is money-based.
Health Officials Oppose the Proposal
During the meeting when the smoking proposal was announced, health officials were on hand to comment. Center for Black Health and Equity, Ashley Hebert, has long been involved, pushing for a smoke-free environment. She pointed out that the casino is not here for the community, but council members are and can vote against the measure.
American Cancer Society’s Alice Kline was on hand, stating that the surgeon general has stated that a smoke-free workplace policy is the only way to ensure employees are not exposed to second-hand smoke at work.
Kline stated further that separating people who smoke and those who do not and cleaning the air is not enough to provide protection against exposure to cigarette smoke.
Herbert spoke again, stating that the casino employees in Shreveport do not deserve this type of disrespect. They should have the same protection in the workplace as others across the city.
Still Smoking in New Jersey
The reverse proposal in Shreveport is the opposite of what is happening in New Jersey. Casinos still allow smoking in the Garden State and the battle to stop it has been ongoing for years. Legislation is on the table to ban smoking in the gaming venues, but officials are not taking it up yet for a vote.
Casinos are against a smoking ban as they feel it will weaken their business and cause job losses. Employees want to see a change so they can work in a smoke-free space.
It will be interesting to see how the Shreveport situation works out and if NJ will be able to use any of the same tactics to see smoking continue as well.
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