Once the smoking ban is signed into law New Orleans’ bars, casinos and smokers have ninety days to puff-away until the controversial new ordinance takes effect.

After amendments were added to dismiss NOPD enforcement and leeway to still smoke outside, the city council passed the Smoke Free NOLA ordinance unanimously.

“I’m very happy it passed,” says Angel McGurk who thinks non-smokers like her will benefit most. “Major cities have passed this and it has not impacted business in any way.”

Those in bars puffing on electronic vaporized cigarettes will also be in violation.

You can still smoke in parks, hookah bars and at public events.

The city`s health department will be the primary enforcer.

“I’m okay because evidently I’m grandfathered in,” says Ritchie Shaner, owner of Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar, one of the last places in the city a smoker will be able to light up indoors. “I’d imagine we’ll get more business because people can smoke here.”

Even though Shaner feels lucky, he’s not gloating, “I see a big deal for Harrah’s. All people have to do is go over to the west bank now.”

“I left California for a reason, and now it’s followed me,” says Tom the bartender at Parasol’s in the Irish Channel. “The neighbors aren’t going to like it. Now we’re going to have about 40 to 50 people outside smoking and being loud. I doubt it will ever be enforced knowing New Orleans.”

The fear a New Orleans smoking ban will scare away tourists remains to be seen.

“They can still see boobs. they can still drink beer on the streets,” argues McGurk. “They can do everything they want to do. That’s not an issue.”

“We’ll see,” says Tom. “It might not be a good idea long-term.”