Louisiana House Rejects Smoking Ban

The Louisiana House of Representatives shot down legislation that would have banned smoking in bars and gambling facilities, the Associated Press reported June 2.

Legislators voted 71-29 against the bill, with opponents arguing that a smoking ban would result in bars and casinos losing revenue.

A ban on smoking in restaurants and most other public places already exists in Louisiana, but the House refused to extend the prohibition.

Bill proponents said the legislation would protect workers and patrons from secondhand-smoke exposure, but opponents said people can chose whether or not to work at or visit bars and casinos.