Can you smoke at a restaurant in Louisiana?

Yes, you can smoke in a restaurant in Louisiana, but only until January 1, 2007.

There was much discussion during the 2006 regular legislative session about Senate Bill 742 which outlawed all smoking in restaurants. This bill was passed and was signed into law as Act 815 by Gov. Kathleen Blanco.

However, as the bill was written, it does not go into effect until January 1, 2007, which is why you still see people smoking in restaurants.

Once area that is smoke-free now is any car with a minor riding in it. House Bill 1010 prohibits smoking in any motorvehicle with a minor present and became active on July 5, 2006.