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GOVERNMENT

N.C. House to debate smoking ban

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Comments (4)

Thursday, February 26, 2009

(Updated 7:17 am)

By
Associated Press

RALEIGH (AP) — Lawmakers and lobbyists get another chance to discuss a broad smoking ban in North Carolina.

The House Health Committee scheduled debate today on a measure that would prohibit smoking in restaurants and bars, public places and indoor work sites. A similar but watered-down bill failed in the House in both 2005 and 2007.

Democratic Rep. Hugh Holliman of Davidson County is one of the bill's primary sponsors. He has said the health dangers from secondhand smoke can no longer be ignored, even in a state rich in tobacco heritage.

Some cigarette companies remain opposed to the idea, citing private property rights and the choice already provided to restaurants and other public places to go smoke-free.

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MyTwoCents

February 26, 2009 - 8:05 am EST

What will come next - no smoking on your own property?

Deepbreath

February 26, 2009 - 10:13 am EST

I don't mind people smoking around me as long as they don't exhale. Wake up folks...it's a death sentence! It's time for the N.C. government to step up.

MyTwoCents

February 26, 2009 - 12:22 pm EST

I don't oppose a ban on smoking in public (government) buildings, but I believe individual business owners should be the ones to decide if you can or cannot smoke in their place of business. If you go to a private business that permits smoking and it offends you - DON'T GO THERE.