Shreveport council to decide if casinos are to be exempt from smoking ban

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - On Tuesday, July 13, the Shreveport City Council will vote on whether to exempt casinos from the citywide smoking ban.

Last year, the council voted to ban smoking in all workplaces and bars. Across the river, Bossier City has no smoking ban.

The exemption is a move health experts and Smoke Free Louisiana is against. A petition urging council members to vote no is on the American Heart Association’s website.

The petition states:

“This underhanded, last-minute attempt would not only set the city of Shreveport back, but specifically would affect the 75% of Black or African Americans working in the hospitality industry in the city.”

A couple of people visiting the Sam’s Town and El Dorado casinos shared their thoughts on the decision.

One casino attendee said they believe there should be a designated section for those who smoke.

”You have people who do smoke and those who don’t. I think it should be a place for people to smoke. If I’m out there playing I don’t want somebody next to me smoking, but I think we should have places for people who prefer smoking,” said Stephanie Dunn.

Then there are some who do not support the exemption.

“It does bother me. Secondhand smoke does bother me,” said Shundra Woods.

Copyright 2021 KSLA. All rights reserved.