New Orleans' New NO SMOKING Ordinance ~ Respectful Signage Informs Patrons ~ Helping Ease the Transition.

Ya gotta love New Orleans.
The people, the energy, the architecture, the food, it just never ends. This city is alive and well, filled with tourists, musicians, bars, restaurants, drinkers and… smokers.
Yup, this is where you come to let loose, and for many that includes lighting up cigars, cigarettes and vaporizers. 

While eating dinner last week at Salu on Magazine Street (fantastic paella BTW) our waitress informs us of the new NO SMOKING ordinance that the city council passed that very same day.  It was Day One of our trip, and right then and there I realized that the city is headed for some major changes. There was a definite buzz around town about it. 

After dinner, we walked into Tipitina’s Uptown, and again, people were talking about the new ordinance. The Journalist in me never sleeps, so I asked, “What’s your take? Good, Bad or Ugly?”  …and I received many good, bad and ugly answers.

Many local bar staff are happy about the ordinance, thankful for less second-hand smoke, other managers were worried about less foot traffic, while others felt it could affect their bottom dollar.
Once I saw the city’s mandatory signage, I realized @RespectfulSigns could help business owners get across the new NO SMOKING ordinance to their patrons, in an informative and respectful way.

Lots of drinking can cause confusion, belligerence, and well, let’s face it, more smoking!  Balconies, Courtyards and outdoor seating areas will allow smoking, as well as tobacco and vape shops, cigar bars (cigars only), Hookah bars (hookahs only), and designated areas at various race tracks.

I heard from a number of people in the French Quarter that they don’t know how the city plans to police it.  Take Note! --- All anyone has to do is call 311 to turn in a bar or restaurant for violations.

My recommendation to business owners in New Orleans is don’t leave it to chance. Read the Ordinance. Read the Tool Kit here! The city is serious. Your very first violation will cost you $100. The 2nd one in a 12 month period will cost you $200, and three or more in the same time period? You’re looking at a $500 fine and a possible loss of your license or permit.

Respectful Signage works for you! ~ The hard-working business owners, managers and staff who have to implement the new No Smoking regulation.

Our new signage helps bar and restaurant owners guide their staff AND the general public to have a smooth transition from Smoking -- to -- No Smoking. 

The city’s mandatory signage explains how to report businesses for violations, our signs help NOLA businesses inform people where to go to light up, and reassure them that yes, you can smoke, JUST FINE HERE.

Take a look at our ‘Smoking’ store right here to  
see the two New Orleans-specific  5x7 window decals and the two 8.5x11 hard plastic posters we offer. 

I will be back to this beautiful city the week the ordinance goes into effect, so call for an appointment while I’m there! 678-464-0962.
SmokeFreeNOLA has been very effective in spreading the word via social media, facebook and twitter; making sure that neighborhoods and businesses know details about the new law. Follow @respectfulsigns and @SmokeFreeNOLA on twitter for more info and www/facebook.com/respectfulsignage on facebook.