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On May 19, 2009, North Carolina took a momentous leap forward with the signing of House Bill 2, “An Act To Prohibit Smoking in Certain Public Places and Certain Places of Employment.” This new legislation will protect patrons and workers from secondhand smoke in restaurants and bars across the state. The law became effective January 2, 2010.
North Carolina’s effort to promote smoke-free policy has been watched by many government leaders, tobacco control advocates, and public health professionals throughout the country. These individuals recognized the magnitude of the passage of the new law and had some great things to say.
Following are some of their thoughts:
“This is an historic day for North Carolina. But more important than the history that we are making is the positive impact we are having on public health. By banning smoking in our restaurants and bars, we will greatly reduce the dangers of secondhand smoke and lower health care costs for families.”
—The Honorable Beverly Perdue, Governor, NC
“This is the most important smoke-free law ever. Getting it passed was a challenge. It was years and years in the making...Preemption really is a huge barrier to public health...Other states can feel less sorry for themselves...”—Bronson Frick, Associate Director, Americans for Nonsmoker’s Rights, Berkeley, CA
“The passage and signing of HB 2 is truly historic for a tobacco-producing state like North Carolina. We commend the Governor and legislative leaders for the strong leadership they have shown and their commitment to protecting the public’s health. Hundreds of thousands of restaurant and bar workers and patrons will now be protected from the dangers of secondhand smoke.”— Pam Seamans, Executive Director and Policy Director, North Carolina Alliance for Health, Morrisville, NC
“North Carolina’s smoke-free law is a truly historic victory for health and will protect everyone’s right to breathe clean air. It is a groundbreaking step for North Carolina to recognize the devastating toll of tobacco use and secondhand smoke and take decisive action to protect public health. Because of this new law, North Carolinians will no longer have to put their health at risk in order to earn a paycheck or enjoy a night out. We applaud Governor Perdue and the legislators who have supported this important public health measure.”—Matthew L. Myers, President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Washington, DC
“I am extremely happy with this legislation becoming a reality. This is a gigantic step in improving the public health for the citizens of our great state, and I’m glad I was able to play a part in making this bill a law.”—Hugh Holliman, House Majority Leader, Representative Davidson County, NC
“We know that clean indoor air initiatives, increased tobacco excise taxes, effective youth smoking prevention and adult smoking cessation campaigns are effective in saving lives. We applaud the State for working to safeguard North Carolinians from tobacco’s deadly toll.”—Amber Thornton-Bullock, Executive Vice President for Program Development, The American Legacy Foundation, Washington, DC
“This new law is a significant step for public health in North Carolina. Restaurant and bar patrons and employees will no longer be exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke...”—William R. Purcell, MD, Senator, Anson, Richmond, Scotland and Stanley Counties, NC
“...This is a major accomplishment for North Carolina and all its citizens...I’m glad to have been able to work with you and support your outstanding accomplishments since very early in this arduous process and am very proud of the great things happening in North Carolina!”—Bob Vollinger, Program Director and Public Health Advisor, Tobacco Control Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
“Although HB2 will mandate statewide smoke-free environments in restaurants and bars, it also allows local jurisdictions to make all workplaces smoke free. We look to leading communities like Mecklenburg County to set the stage at the local level for a higher standard and a healthier North Carolina.”—Jeffrey P. Engel, MD, State Health Director, NC
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