At today’s City Council meeting, five different amendments to the soon-to-be-enacted smoking ban in New Orleans will be heard. The new law, which takes effect on April 22, will prohibit smoking in bars, restaurants and casinos. Currently an exemption exists for cigar stores in business prior to Dec. 10, 2014 that generate more than 10 percent from the sale of cigars and locker rentals, but that could be expanded. Ordinance 30520 would exempt Tobacco Retail Businesses, which are defined by the amendment as those that generate at least 70 percent of sales through tobacco products and accessories. They would be allowed to serve both food and alcohol, so long as tobacco sales met the threshold, but they would be barred for providing “live entertainment” and gambling. The amendment comes from Councilmembers Nadine Ramsey and Jared Brossett. Ramsey is also responsible for Ordinance 30611, which would define a “cigar bar” as a business that generates 10 percent or more of its revenue from the sale of cigars and the rental of humidors. Under the definition cigar bars would not be allowed to grant entry to anyone under the age of 21 and smoking cigarettes indoors would be illegal. This proposal is ...
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