Website explains new NC smoking law

Publication Date: 2009-10-29

• Author:Debra Worley
• Publication:WECT

Governor Bev Perdue has launched a new website to help implement the upcoming smoking ban that requires restaurants, bars, and lodging establishments that serve food and drink to go smoke-free at the start of 2010.

The website, www.SmokeFree.NC.gov, provides business owners and customers information on the new law which begins January 2. There are downloadable fact sheets, no-smoking signs and other tools to help make the transition to smoke-free air an easy one.

"This change is historic for North Carolina and will have a significant positive impact on public health," said Gov. Perdue in a statement. "By banning smoking in our restaurants and bars, we will greatly reduce the dangers of secondhand smoke and lower health care costs for families."

Perdue said her goal is to make sure NC residents have the information they need about the hazards of second-hand smoke and how to implement the new law.