Smoking ban implemented in North Carolina

"We are keenly aware of the history in our state, but now it's just that -- history," said Betsy Vetter, chairman of the North Carolina Alliance for Health, an independent state alliance that works to demote the use of tobacco.

However, certain places like cigar bars and country clubs may enjoy an exemption from the ban. With this new law, the state hopes to reduce the exposure of its citizens to second-hand smoke.

Fine for smokers
Anybody found violating the new law will have to pay a fine of up to $50. Businesses could be fined up to $200, if they refuse to put down the cigarettes even after being warned.

From Jan.2, state and local health officials will start carrying a small portable monitor to check the quality of air. Business owners would be informed beforehand, or sometimes may have surprise checks.

Owners of businesses are now required to promote no-smoking in their own dwelling. They will have to post no-smoking signs, do away with all the ash trays and at times, may have to ask people to put down their cigarettes. The law allows hotels to keep 20 percent of their rooms for smokers.

Mixed response to the ban
People of North Carolina have expressed mixed reactions to the new law. While some are happy with the region going smoke-free, so they can avoid the hazards of passive smoking, others think the law will not make much difference to the actual smoke inhalation of people.

However, for the largest tobacco-producing state in the nation, the law is considered a major step. The state draws a large portion of tax revenues from the same industry. The industry provides jobs to some 255,000 people, according to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

"For North Carolina we feel like it's a huge victory," said Amy Barkley, a regional director for the Washington-based Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Tobacco firms have obviously not taken to the law very well. Businesses should be allowed to decide whether to go smoke-free, they argue.

"If they're doing this on their own -- and many of them have -- do we really need a far-reaching, broad rule like this? It should be the business owner's right to decide," said David Howard, a spokesman for the Winston-Salem-based R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.