House Bill 2, North Carolina's smoke-free bars and restaurants law passed by the General Assembly and was signed into law by Governor Bev Perdue in May, 2009. In December 2009, HWTF launched a media campaign to raise public awareness about the fact that this historic legislation takes effect January 2, 2010.
HWTF funding was also provided to supply local health departments with coasters for local distribution to bars and restaurants to help these businesses remind customers of the date the law takes effect as well as to promote the use of QuitlineNC to patrons who may be interested in quitting tobacco use.
HWTF grantees are promoting "Tasty Tuesdays," an effort to encourage the public to patronize their favorite local restaurants on Tuesdays in January to express their appreciation for the cleaner and healthier air.
The U.S. Institute of Medicine recently found that smoke-free laws significantly reduce the occurrence of heart attacks. In fact, smoke-free policies can reduce the risk of heart attack by up to 47% and significantly reduce the likelihood of other heart problems.
For more information about the law or to report a violation, visit
www.smokefree.nc.gov or call the CARE-LINE at (800) 662-7030.