Smoking Ban Snuffed Out

Posted: May 25, 2010 12:40 PM by Letitia Walker
Updated: May 25, 2010 12:40 PM

Smoking will continue in bars and casinos. Did lawmakers make the right decision? RANT to Hoyt at hoyt.harris@katctv.com. We could air your opinions tonight

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A Senate-backed attempt to ban smoking in Louisiana bars and casinos has been snuffed out.

The House Health and Welfare Committee rejected the bill in an 8-4 vote Tuesday, a vote expected to kill the measure for another legislative session.

The state has a law that prohibits smoking in restaurants, public places, public buildings and most places of employment. The proposal by Livonia Sen. Rob Marionneaux would have required bars, casinos, off-track betting facilities and other gambling spots also to become smoke-free.

Supporters say the bill would improve the health safety of workers and patrons at bars and casinos.

Opponents say a smoking ban could harm businesses and the state financially. They also say people can choose to avoid the facilities if they don't want the secondhand smoke exposure.