Smoking ban debate heats up in City Hall
 

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New Orleans could be one step closer to banning smoking in most public places.*A proposed ban ? including prohibiting smoking in bars and casinos ? had its first public debate today in New Orleans City Council chambers, where supporters and opponents packed the council's community development committee meeting. Following three hours of discussion, debate and heated argument, the committee approved a long list of changes to the original draft by a 3-2 vote.

District B Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell first announced plans to introduce the measure last summer, and in November, she unveiled a 25-page ordinance*banning*all tobacco products (including electronic cigarettes) from public areas and prohibiting smoking within 25 feet of a business.? [ Read more ]

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