MONROE, La. (AP) — The Ouachita Parish Police Jury approved a 100 percent smoke-free ordinance that prohibits smoking in bars and bingo halls.

Parish and city officials have said the push for 100 percent smoke-free workplaces is not a campaign against smokers but an effort to ensure employees of bars and bingo halls have the same health standards as other employees.

The smoking ban includes all tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes. The ban goes into effect Jan. 2.

Any person who is guilty violating the parish's prohibitions upon first offense faces a $25 fine. Any person guilty of a second offense within a five-year period faces a $50 fine. Third offense within a five-year period carries a $100 fine.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL