The new law in the State of North Carolina goes into effect on January 2, 2010. Restuarants and bars will become smoke free indoors. This applies to businesses that serves food.
News Source: Mt. Airy News
Smoking ban takes effect Jan. 2
by Meghann Evans12 hrs ago | 296 views | 2 | | Smoking sections and ashtrays in restaurants and bars will become a thing of the past on Saturday as a new smoking ban goes into effect across the state.
Starting Jan. 2, North Carolina House Bill 2 will become law, which requires North Carolina restaurants and bars to be smoke free indoors. This in some instances includes other venues. Donna Parks, tobacco free coordinator for the Surry County Health and Nutrition Center, said smoking is prohibited in any venue that serves food and is inspected by the health department or is ABC permitted.
Also as part of the law, lodging facilities cannot designate more than 20 percent of their guest rooms for smoking. The exceptions from the smoking ban are cigar bars that meet a list of criteria and non-profit private clubs.
In a press release issued earlier this month, Gov. Bev Perdue said, “This is a historic moment for the health of people in North Carolina. This single action will save lives and improve the health of North Carolina residents, visitors and food service workers, as they will avoid many of the health problems caused by secondhand smoke.�
