Local Smoke‑Free Law in Lafourche Marks First Month

Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, unanimously passed a local smoke-free ordinance that took effect on February 10, 2026. The ordinance protects workers and residents from the dangers of secondhand smoke by prohibiting smoking in enclosed workplaces and other public spaces.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network worked closely with parish leaders to advance this effort. The Lafourche Parish Council voted to ensure workers in the parish are protected from the toxic effects of secondhand smoke.

Lafourche Parish joins 43 other Louisiana municipalities that have enacted comprehensive smoke-free indoor workplace ordinances.

“Smoke-free ordinances protect the health and safety of all workers and residents,” said Councilman William Adams, sponsor of the ordinance. “A smoke-free ordinance ensures that more people in Lafourche Parish can breathe clean air, at work. Everyone has the right to breathe smoke-free air.  It’s good for health and good for business.”

“We applaud the leadership of Councilman William Adams and the Lafourche Parish Council,” said Alice Kline, Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “This is an important step toward improving the health of communities throughout Louisiana.”

Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 69 known carcinogens. Smoke-free policies save businesses money through reduced maintenance costs, insurance premiums, workers’ compensation payments, and reduce workers’ absenteeism.