Baton Rouge Launches Indoor Smoking Ban At Bars, Casinos

Lighting up inside bars and casinos in Baton Rouge is no longer legal as a ban approved by the Metro Council last summer takes effect today.

Supporters say the ban will help protect thousands of workers in those businesses from the ill effects of second-hand smoke.

Owners where violations occur can be fined up to $500, while anyone caught smoking inside one of the facilities could be fined $50.