A town hall meeting lasting more than two hours at New Orleans City Hall Wednesday night put smokers and non-smokers at odds over a proposed ban on lighting up citywide. Much of the debate centered on businesses having a right to opt out, versus second-hand smoking effects on employees.
City Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell is spearheading the ordinance to ban smoking.
Harrah’s marketing spokeswoman Kristen Westberg said the ban could drive business to other regions that allow smoking. It triggered this exchange with Cantrell:
“Thank you so much," said Cantrell. "You said the administrative offices, the administration?”
“Yes ma’am, I’m part of the marketing," Westberg said.
“You can smoke in your offices, right?”
“No ma’am," Westberg responded.
“Oh, ok. The administrators. Okay.”
“But let me just say that over our 100 employees," Westberg explained. "I spend much of my time on the floor.”
“Okay,” said Cantrell.
Health officials said the ban is needed to shield staff and musicians working in bars from problems caused by second-hand smoke. Some bar owners say they fear losing their customers. Proponents of electronic cigarettes asked that the vapor-producing smokes be allowed. But others argued that there’s not enough research yet to prove they’re safe.
Cantrell said the ordinance will go to the full City Council on January 22.
