On January 2, North Carolina became the first major tobacco-growing state to implement a statewide smoke-free law that includes all restaurants and bars. North Carolina is joined by 26 other states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico in passing smoke-free laws that include restaurants and bars.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids applauded the North Carolina leaders who championed the new law, including Governor Bev Perdue, bill sponsors Representative Hugh Holliman and Senator Bill Purcell, and the North Carolina Alliance for Health.
According to the campaign, when all of these state and local laws have been implemented, strong smoke-free laws that include restaurants and bars will protect 62% of Americans.
