Debate continues on N.C. smoking ban

Publication Date: 2009-02-27

• Author:Paul Woolverton
• Publication:Fayetteville (NC) Observer & Times

North Carolina's proposed smoking ban got a hearing but no vote in a state House committee meeting Thursday.

The House Health Committee plans to resume debating the legislation Tuesday. The proposal--whose prime sponsors include Democratic state Rep. Rick Glazier of Fayetteville--would outlaw smoking in most places of employment, including places that the public often expects to light up, such as restaurants and bars.

This is a public health issue, Glazier and other proponents said. They say it will improve health and reduce government spending on health care for uninsured people, many of whom work in the restaurant industry.

Opponents argue that the law infringes on private property rights.

Republican state Rep. Jeff Barnhart of Concord dismisses that argument.

"When it comes to property rights vs. health rights, my personal rights--I think it trumps it every time," Barnhardt said.