Poll suggests support for smoking ban

Publication Date: 2005-03-11

• Author:MIKE STOBBE
• Publication:Charlotte (NC) Observer

Smoke Free Charlotte releases results in effort to encourage legislation

A new poll concludes that 71 percent of Mecklenburg residents support a ban on smoking in local restaurants, and 55 percent would OK a ban in bars.

The poll also found 79 percent of Mecklenburg adults typically request a table in a restaurant's nonsmoking section.

The results were released at a Thursday news conference by Smoke Free Charlotte, a coalition of people who seek a ban on smoking in indoor public places.

The organization's leaders want an exemption to a state law that prevents local governments from enacting their own smoking restrictions. They're working with N.C. Rep. Martha Alexander, D-Mecklenburg, to introduce a bill in the General Assembly next week.