Patrons React to Louisiana Smoking Ban

Louisiana became the 22nd state to ban smoking inside restaurants, public buildings and a number of other locations Monday. Many believe it`s a step in the right direction. Yet, some smokers say it violates their basic rights. "The non-smokers can go inside and they`re as comfortable as can be so they`re basically taking my rights away to give them to non smokers," Ranny Gunn, a Shreveport smoker, said. As of Monday, anyone who wants to light up inside a restaurant had better take it outside. Non-smokers say the law is a breath of fresh air, literally. "If they`re smoking, I`m smoking too," Eddy White, a Buffalo Wild Wings patron, said, " and I don`t like to smoke." Louisiana restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings at the Louisiana Boardwalk are doing what they can to keep their smoking customers happy. The restaurant`s patio will soon feature a fully stocked bar and 23 televisions. "We`re going to try to bring the restaurant`s atmosphere outside to the patio," Michael Vince, Buffalo Wild Wings manager, said. With fewer places to smoke, Terry Haynes says the law could help her quit. " I`m doing something that`s not good for me anyways," Haynes said," and if what i`m doing is affecting other people, I have to understand that." As long as this law is on the books, Louisiana smokers will be heading for the outdoors a little more often. The ban does not apply to bars without restaurant licenses or casinos.