NC Senate committee delays smoking ban debate

Publication Date: 2009-04-22

• Author:AP
• Publication:WRAL.com

A bill to ban smoking in many businesses and restaurants in North Carolina was removed from the Senate Health Care Committee on Wednesday because the motion picture industry worries it would prevent actors from smoking on screen.

Committee chairman Sen. Bill Purcell of Scotland County said he wanted to give the movie industry in Wilmington time to propose an amendment. The bill will be considered next week.

The Senate is considering whether to restore tougher restrictions on smoking that were deleted when the bill passed the House. A provision to bar smoking in businesses that employ or serve anyone under age 18 likely would be broadened.