DECEMBER 22, 2009 ISSUE
Smoking Ban in Restaurants, Bars Takes Effect January 2
Lighting up at the bar or at a restaurant table will no longer be an option in North Carolina as of January 2, 2010, when a state law banning smoking in restaurants and bars takes effect.
The General Assembly passed the law, Session Law 2009-27, in early May and Gov. Bev Perdue signed it on May 19. In addition to the smoking ban in all enclosed areas of restaurants and bars, the law prohibits smoking in state government buildings and vehicles and gives municipalities additional powers to enact their own smoking restrictions.
The law makes exemptions for cigar bars, private clubs and designated smoking rooms in lodging establishments.
Restaurants and bars are required to post “No Smoking” signs and to remove all indoor ashtrays and smoking receptacles. Smoking in a state-mandated non-smoking area is punishable by a $50 fine.
“The new smoke-free law will help protect workers and customers from the known health hazards of secondhand smoke and may encourage many folks to eat out more than ever now that doing so will be safer,” said Danny Staley, health director of the Appalachian District Health Department, in a press release.
To celebrate the smoking ban, the Northwest Tobacco Prevention Coalition is promoting “Tasty Tuesdays” to encourage customers to eat out at smoke-free restaurants.
“We are encouraging everyone to celebrate ‘Tasty Tuesdays’ by going out to eat every week in January to show support for the new smoke-free restaurants and bars law and to express their appreciation to the restaurants and bars that are doing their part to create a healthier North Carolina,” said Teri VanDyke, coordinator of the coalition. “You don’t need a coupon or any special equipment to celebrate Tasty Tuesdays—just head out to eat on Tuesday nights in January.”
For more information about the law or to report a violation, click to www.smokefree.nc.gov or call the CARE-LINE at 1-800-662-7030. Information is also available by calling the health department at 828-264-4995.
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