Third time could be charm for smoke ban

Publication Date: 2009-03-22

• Author:Diana Mazzella
• Publication:The Daily Advance

The era of smoke-filled rooms--in public--may soon be over for good.

While banning public smoking has surfaced twice in the North Carolina Legislature this decade--in 2005 and 2007--a new state bill could make it a reality this time.

The proposal would target smoking in restaurants, bars, public buildings and offices and seeks to reduce negative health effects from smoking.

A committee of the N.C. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan bill this month. Smokers could be $50 if they kept smoking after being warned. Business owners could be fined up to $200 by the local health director after a third violation.