Lawmaker pursues smoking ban

Publication Date: 2009-01-29

• Author:Benjamin Niolet
• Publication:Raleigh (NC) News & Observer

House Majority leader Hugh Holliman held a news conference this morning to push a bill that would ban smoking in workplaces, bars, restaurants and other public places.

Rep. Jeff Barnhart, a Cabarrus County Republican, said he is supporting Holliman's bill because his father died of lung cancer. When the diagnosis came, doctors asked how long he had smoked. Barnhart said his father had never smoked, but had worked for years with people who did...

Holliman said that businesses that have gone smoke-free have actually enjoyed an increase in patronage...

Holliman, a two-time survivor of lung cancer, introduced the measure Wednesday after the legislature convened for its new session. He has said that the ban would help protect non-smokers and workers, as well as children, the elderly, and those living with lung disease or cancer, diabetes or heart disease from exposure to secondhand smoke.

Lawmakers acknowledged the bill faces a tough fight in the House.