Protecting others from second-hand smoke can start in any of the places and spaces where we live work and play - at home, at work, at a restaurant or even in schools. Protecting these places can reduce others' exposure to second-hand smoke, keeping air healthy and clean for all Louisiana residents.
Learn more about creating a tobacco-free policy here.
Smoke-free means being free of exposure to or the use of any lighted or heated tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah, and other lighted or heated combustible plant material.
Tobacco-free means being free from the use of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, or smoking tobacco. This includes being smoke-free. Tobacco-free goes beyond smoke-free by included all other tobacco products.
Where do e-cigarettes or vapor products fall?
Sometimes the definition of “smoking” can also include vapor products, including any electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electric pipe or similar product or device and any vapor cartridge or other container of nicotine or other substances in a solution or other form that is intended to be used with an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe or similar device.
Responsible sale of age-restricted products such as tobacco, alternative tobacco, and vapor products is an important part of your business.
Effective November 1, 2018, Louisiana ACT No. 188 requires that all tobacco point of purchase signage include the following language: "For assistance in quitting tobacco call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.quitwithusla.org."
Tobacco point of purchase signage that does not include this language does not meet the requirements of Louisiana law. Failure to comply may result in a fine imposed by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.
New: On December 20, 2019, the President signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, raising the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes, to anyone under 21. For more information, click here to review a statement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
It is anticipated that Louisiana law will be changed to reflect federal legislation in the 2020 Legislative Session. In the event that occurs, the downloadable tobacco point of purchase signage below will be updated to reflect the new minimum age of sale of tobacco products. The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control will provide more information as it becomes available.
To be sure your signage is complaint with current Louisiana law, follow the three easy steps below.
Step 1: Pick Your Sign
By clicking the links below, you can access free, compliant tobacco signs for your business or vending machines. Choose the size and design that best fits your needs. All signs below are compliant.
Step 2: Print Your Sign
You can print your selected sign using your office or home printer! Signs can be printed on letter-sized paper or cardstock. No color ink? Don’t worry! Grayscale signage is compliant, too. You can also trim the excess white border after printing. Print Tip! The medium rectangle sign should be printed in landscape mode. This sign requires no trimming! No printer? Download the sign you selected on a USB drive and take it to your local print shop for printing.
Step 3: Post Your Sign
Signage must be placed at point of purchase of tobacco products. In order to be in compliance with Louisiana law, signage must be posted in a location (or multiple locations) where patrons are easily able to see and read the text while making their purchase. For FAQs, click here.
For more information, Please contact the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control at (225)-925-4041.