North Carolina Implements Smoking Ban January 3
North Carolina may be one of the last states where one would expect to see a smoking ban implemented, but the state ushered in the New Year by doing just that.
North Carolina has always been known as a tobacco-growing state, with a history that goes back to just after the Civil War. It is the largest tobacco-producing state in the country, and the state’s tobacco industry provides quite a slice of the tax revenue pie. There are 255,000 tobacco-related jobs in North Carolina, a figure that is equivalent to 40% of the nation’s total according to information provided by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The law passed in North Carolina is a scaled back version of the 100% smoking ban that prevails in other states. The law exempts cigar bars and country clubs but bans smoking in bars and restaurants.
The move is considered as a “huge victory” by the Washington-based advocacy organization Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, as expressed by its Regional Director Amy Barkley.
As expected, tobacco firms were against the law, saying that businesses should be given the freedom to choose to go smoke-free or not. For some bar and restaurant owners in North Carolina who have wanted to ban smoking from their establishments for quite some time, the ban is a welcome relief as they will no longer have to contend with irate customers as they remove ashtrays from tables and put up no smoking signs. Fines for smokers who violate the ban can be up to $50, while errant bars and restaurants can be fined up to $200.
Still, there are business owners who cater to smoking clientele who are not too happy about the implementation of the smoking ban.
Tags: cigarette smoking, no smoking, smoking abuse, smoking ban, tobacco abuse
Bob Jan 3
In order to keep the sport alive, Illinois had to exempt bowling alleys from “slip and fall” lawsuits resulting from bowlers being required to go outside to smoke. http://cbs2chicago.com/local/bowling.shoes.alleys.2.1400032.html
fred Jan 3
The smoking ban is not a bad idea, so long as decent precautions are taken. Most restaurants are building outdoor patios where smokers can sit. It is understandable that someone can be annoyed by second hand smoke, but not being able to smoke makes a smokers evening much worse than yours when you have to smell him or her. Recently my wife and I decided we should quit smoking. We tried almost everything but finally we found these new electronic cigarettes. They are fantastic, and don’t produce the same annoying second hand smoke. Our friends don’t mind sitting with us over dinner anymore, and I love the taste and as a couple we are saving almost $300 a month by switching over. I put up a blog chronicalling our adventure if anyone wants to read.
http://www.quitcigs.us.tt
I know it isn’t 100% up to date. I wrote some posts while I was on vacation and I will get them up asap, I promise.
T. Hammer Jan 5
This is ridiculous. If a business wants to cater to smokers, that’s the owner’s choice. When I go to a bar, I expect there to be smoke. Spending a few hours in a smoky bar -drinking alcohol- is hardly a health risk.
If someone wants a smoke-free bar, then have no ash trays and put ’smoke free’ on your door. Simple as that. There’s no reason to oppress people who smoke when they are okay with surrounding themselves with other smokers.
Fight4Freedom Jan 7
I am all about respecting and protecting the rights of the non-smoking community, but I believe it should be up to the owner to make these decisions. If you’d like to hear more about my view, please read my petition @
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/ownerschoice/
If you agree, I would appreciate your signature.
Thank you!
Fight4Freedom Jan 8
As much as I appreciate everyone’s time and signatures, unfortunately, a judge would have laughed at the names that I was getting from the previous site.
In order in increase accuracy and credibility of the signatures, I have moved this petition to:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/33301.html
I apologize for any inconvenience, but feel the additional signature field requirements will increase our likelihood of being heard by the court of appeals.
Thank you for your support!