Smoke-Free Ordinance

Baton Rouge has joined the almost 700 cities nationwide in going smoke-free. The City’s new ordinance is in effect as of June 1, 2018. In addition to smoking restrictions that already exist under state law, there will be new restrictions on smoking and vaping (use of e-smoking devices) in many locations across the city.

Why This Ordinance is Important

This ordinance protects the public’s health by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and encouraging smokers to quit. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. It causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases (such as emphysema), and diabetes. More than 20 million people in the United States have died from smoking-related diseases since 1964, including 2.5 million nonsmokers as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.

RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

This free toolkit will assist business owners in understanding and complying with the ordinance, as well as educating employees and patrons about the new requirements outlined in the ordinance. It includes a factsheet and description of the ordinance, signage to be posted in businesses, educational materials, and resources for quitting smoking.

• Mayor's Letter to EBR Business Owners
• Business Toolkit
• Printable No Smoking or Vaping sign

Noncompliance Penalties

A business that violates the ordinance for a first violation shall be liable for a fine of not more than $500.00; for a second violation committed within a period of twelve (12) months the business will be liable for a fine of not more than $700.00; for a third violation, all of which occurred within 12 months, shall be liable for a fine up to $900.00. Any business that violates the ordinance five or more times with in a 12-month period shall be subject to a revocation of the occupancy permit for the location in which the violation occurs.

Every person who violates the ordinance shall be liable for a fine of up to $50.00 for each violation.

To report a violation, call the Baton Rouge Police Department non-emergency number, (225) 389-2000.