On Jan. 1 smokers across Louisiana permanently put out their cigarettes in workplaces and restaurants, not because of New Year’s resolutions, but because of the state’s new law that makes the two places 100 percent smoke-free. The “Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act” (Act No. 815), prohibits smoking in most public places and workplaces, including all restaurants with or without attached bars. Smoking is still allowed in stand-alone bars and casinos.

Scarlet Rutter, general manager of Flanagan’s restaurant in Thibodaux, said the law has not had much of an impact on the restaurant itself, but the bar has seen a drastic decline in sales. She said customers now eat in the bar and leave immediately after instead of staying to have a few drinks as they used to.

“Being that Flanagan’s is so close to the University, it has always been known as the hot spot bar,” Rutter said. “Now, people don’t stay long.”

Contrary to Flanagan’s, Chili’s has not been affected by the law. Jason Kocsis, general manager of the restaurant, said the only thing that has changed is the flow of traffic. Other than that, Kocsis said the restaurant still serves the same crowd. Smokers and drinkers do not go in as often as they did, but the restaurant remains full, he said.

“No matter where you go (to eat), you won’t be able to smoke,” Kocsis said. “If you enjoy Chili’s, you’re going to come here regardless of the law.”

Most guests are aware of the new law, but Kocsis said every once in a while, someone who is unaware of the law will light up a cigarette or ask for an ash tray.

The adjustment to the new law was not a hard one to make, according to Kocsis. He said there was much preparation beforehand and since Chili’s is a corporate chain, all the decisions concerning signs, ashtrays etc. were already made for the restaurant. Adjusting to the new law was a “simple transition.”

While the adjustment was a “simple transition” for restaurants, some students feel the change was unnecessary.

Allison Dozar, a mass communication sophomore from Morgan City, said the government should have left the issue alone and formed an alternative plan because smoking is a personal preference.

“Tell people to respect others. Push kindness and consideration among society, and don’t worry about making a law. All the law is going to do is cause some kind of uproar,” Dozar said.

Amy Show, business administration junior from Thibodaux, said the new Louisiana law and the new school policy are both good because they have more people in mind, but she agrees that smokers have rights as well.

“When it’s raining at school, smokers don’t have a place to smoke,” Show said. “I don’t think that’s cool, but I don’t think that anyone walking into a building should have smoke blown in their face when they’re walking through the door.”

“A restaurant is more of a family atmosphere, and people should not be allowed to smoke in an area where families are present,” Show said.

In the midst of the transitions everyone is making, the University is doing its share to raise awareness of the new policy with tobacco education and prevention and support for those wishing to stop smoking.

The program, or the Tobacco Education Plan, developed by Student Health Services, has three parts.

The first part is Policy Awareness. Students become aware of the new policy through orientation, University Prep classes, flyers and signage at building entry ways stating the 25 foot policy.

The second part is Education and Prevention. It is where student services will then provide printed information and is targeting high-risk groups.

The third part is Cessation, for students who wish to quit smoking. Student services will give free cessation classes with two counselors and one nurse who are trained by the American Lung Association.

Individual coaching and counseling is also available along with printed information and self-help materials.

“Support groups will be offered through the Counseling Center, and Health Services can prescribe nicotine replacement products and other medications that work well for smoking cessation,” Caruso said. “Anyone who is smoking should strongly consider quitting, and we will do our best to help.