Perdue signs N.C. smoking ban

Raleigh, N.C. — Gov. Beverly Perdue on Tuesday signed an indoor smoking ban into law.

Bill sponsors Rep. Hugh Holliman, D-Davidson and Sen. William Purcell, D-Scotland and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Lanier Cansler joined Perdue in a signing ceremony at the State Capitol.

"It's a huge marker in our state that we're serious about having a healthy North Carolina, and that we'll go to (all means) to make that happen," Perdue said. "My hat's off to the General Assembly. I have never been as proud of a body in my entire life."

The new law bans smoking in nearly all restaurants and bars. Private clubs and cigar bars are exempted from the no-smoking restrictions.

Proponents say the law will protect people from the adverse health effects of second-hand smoke, while critics say the ban infringes on smokers' rights and the rights of business owners to control what activities go on inside their establishments.

The law takes effect next January and allows fines of up to $50 for smokers who keep puffing after being asked by an establishment's managers to stop.

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When will you smokers realize your "right" to smoke is NOT being taken away. It should've never been allowed around food anyway, now it will be like it should've been all along. There are people who are really allergic to cigarette smoke & to intentionally blow smoke in their face is just stupid & rude. Smokers GROW UP & STOP WHINING! You can still smoke just not around food come January. Cities & Towns already tell you what you can & can't have in your yard. Certain neighborhoods tell you what you can & can't do with your home & yard - like the ones that can't have the decorative flags, or have to have certain color shutters, etc. So this excuse people are giving that the govt is taking away your rights is already old news, so stop your griping about not being able to smoke in a restaurant. Now restaurants will be cleaner cause they won't have that nasty stinch.

concerned citizen of NC
May 21, 2009 9:10 a.m.

Right now..no matter what Purdue does...she is not loved in North Carolina. I don't care about the smoking ban right now...she is cutting my check!!!! U messin wit my money woman. We need to find a new governor real soon...like by Monday.

manofjustice
May 20, 2009 4:37 p.m.

"So, private bars and cigar clubs are not included. Well, aren't all bars privately owned?"

Privately-owned? Yes. Privately-operated? No. There are legal definitions if private clubs that involve paid memberships. I don't know all the requirements for an establishment to be considered a private club, but I'm sure that's on the internet, just a Google search away.

Restaurants are privately-owned, but they open their doors and invite the public in without fees. You don't have to be a member to walk in and be a patron.

TruthBKnown Left The Building
May 20, 2009 9:25 a.m.

bsmith4, unless your favorite bar suddenly becomes non-profit or a "country club", it will HAVE to go smoke free in January. Your local bar owner clearly hasn't read the law and cannot avoid this ban...and stay in business.