Panel doesn't act on smoking ban

Publication Date: 2005-05-13

• Author:David Ingram
• Publication:Winston-Salem (NC) Journal

Bill to block smoking in restaurants may come up again in N.C House in a different form

An N.C. House committee heard testimony yesterday on a bill that would ban smoking in restaurants, but it took no action.

The bill would prohibit smoking in all public restaurants, and smokers who didn't comply would be subject to a fine of up to $50.

It wouldn't apply to private clubs, function rooms or religious organizations.

Rep. Hugh Holliman, the bill's sponsor, told a House Judiciary Committee that he wants to protect the health of wait staff and customers. . . .