From Associated Press The ebbing influence of tobacco in North Carolina is headed for a new test in a state that remains the country’s largest tobacco grower.
Tobacco once dominated both North Carolina’s economy and politics, but state lawmakers are scheduled to vote Wednesday on outlawing smoking in restaurants, bars and almost all workplaces.
A similar effort narrowly failed in the House two years ago. The trade group representing the state’s 16,000 restaurants and lodgings protested an exception for private clubs.
But this year, the state’s restaurateurs are neutral on the issue. Health advocates have marshaled money and grassroots networks to overload House members’ offices with e-mails and telephone calls.
If approved, North Carolina would become the 35th state with a smoking ban.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I hope NC joins the other 34 states in this ban on smoking. Even though restaurants may have a designated area for smokers….they are most always open to the non smoking area which is defeating the purpose for those of us who do not want to breath the polluted air of smokers….let them smoke outside…..in their home…or better yet… in their cars with windows rolled up tight.
October 7th, 2009 at 12:01 am
what happend to personal freedoms? next bars won’t be allowed to serve alcohol. people who believe in this might as well not believe in the freedom of speech.