Hammond, La. Considering New Smoking Ban

Legislators in Hammond, La. have proposed a sweeping smoking ban that would formally ban lighting up in all workplaces and public spaces.

The full proposal can be found here and contains no exemptions, while also specifying that smoking would be banned in private clubs and all hotel and motel rooms. Smoking would also be banned in a number of outdoor areas, including within five feet of entrances to buildings where smoking is banned, in outdoor shopping malls, recreation areas and in the majority of outdoor spaces in multi-family residential complexes.

Should the ordinance pass, enforcement would be handled by the city’s police department or an authorized designee of the mayor, with violators subject to a fine of up to $50. Business owners who allow smoking in their establishments would face fines of up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation and $500 for a third violation within a calendar year. The business would also be subject to losing its license.

While the smoking ban was introduced at the council’s April 7 meeting, a public hearing has been scheduled for April 21. Mayor Pete Panepinto has been reported to be in favor of the ban.

Hammond has a population of just over 20,000 people and is located about 60 miles northwest of New Orleans. It is also home to Southeastern Louisiana University.