This afternoon a hearing was held on the proposed smoking ban that would make it illegal to light up in most of New Orleans. After both sides spoke including a statement from Harrah’s Hotel & Casino that stated the city would lose millions in revenue the City Council voted unanimously to pass the smoking ban.
The final vote on the measure was 7-0.
In other news, the City also looked to remove the grandfather clause for existing cigar bars and loungers to operate. Thankfully, this was defeated 4-3.
According to the statement by IPCPR:
“Today the New Orleans City Council voted on the proposed smoking ban ordinance, introduced by Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell. This legislation passed unanimously with favorable amendments. As amended, the legislation will not impact the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailer Association’s (IPCPR) local members or our 83rd Annual Convention & International Trade Show. The ability to smoke in cigar bars, the convention center, and in facilities being used for private events is protected by the amendments.
Your representatives from IPCPR and the Cigar Association of America have been working diligently with the New Orleans City Council on behalf of retailers and manufacturers. Thank you to all IPCPR members who contacted the City Council to voice your concerns regarding the original legislation. With your help, we generated nearly 700 emails to the Councilmembers. Your active participation was critical to our success.”
