NC Senate mulls public smoking ban

Publication Date: 2009-04-13

• Author:Christina Pena
• Publication:Duke Chronicle

The North Carolina Senate is currently reviewing a bill that bans smoking in public places. The bill was passed April 2 by the state House of Representatives after undergoing last-minute revisions April 1 that added exceptions for certain bars, which has caused mixed reactions among local restaurant owners and managers.

The bill aims to protect employees and citizens from the effects of secondhand smoke. It requires managers and owners of businesses and public locations where smoking is prohibited to put up "No Smoking" signs. The proposal also mandates that all indoor ashtrays and other smoking receptacles be removed and smokers be directed to extinguish any tobacco product. If, however, the individual continues to smoke after an oral or written notice, the person may be fined $50.

The exemption from the regulations applies to bars that do not allow minors and make at least 60 percent of their revenue from alcohol sales.