State and Local Public Policy
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Much has changed in the area of public smoking policy in North Carolina in the last several years. Here are a few areas where there has been recent progress: Colleges and Universities: Private colleges and universities are able to pass any policy governing not only their buildings, but their grounds. Increasingly, private colleges and universities are enacting tobacco free policies for their entire property very successfully. Community Colleges are also entitled to make their entire campus tobacco free. Public UNC System schools may pass a policy making buildings smokefree and enacting a perimeter of up to 100 feet from any building. Policies change frequently. For the most up to date information on smokefree and tobacco free college policies in the Triad area, contact the Tobacco Free College program coordinator at 336-641-7768. Municipal Buildings: In 2007, House Bill 24 passed, making all state government buildings and vehicles smokefree, and allowing local communities to enact the same policy. In June of 2009, the Guilford County Board of Health passed rules which required all municipal buildings and vehicles in Guilford County to be smokefree as of September 1, 2009. This includes all County, City, and Town buildings and municipal vehicles inside Guilford County. If a town or city had a policy stronger than these rules, it did not weaken that policy. At that same time, the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority passed a similar rule banning smoking in all indoor areas of the airport. Bars, Restaurants and Hotels: In May 2009, the Governor signed a law banning smoking in all restaurants and bars, beginning January 2, 2010. While there are a few exceptions for private nonprofit clubs and cigar bars, as of January 2010 nearly all public restaurants and bars will prohibit smoking. This law also applies to all public areas and at least 80% of all sleeping rooms in hotels that have either an ABC permit, or a food and lodging inspection from the local health department. This is a significant step protecting the health of all North Carolinians! For more information, or to report a suspected violation, visit www.smokefree.nc.gov, or call 1-800-662-7030. Can a local community pass additional policies? Yes, a local City or Town Council, Board of Health, or County Commission can pass a stronger rule or rdinance banning smoking in public places or workplaces, with some exceptions as defined in the law. These exceptions include private residences and vehicles, most outdoor areas (other than municipal grounds or parks), cigar bars, and tobacco shops. Click "Ten Steps to a Smokefree Guilford" (at right) to learn what you can do to promote a smokefree community: Where can I go to find out more information, or to report a restaurant that is not following the law? 1-800-662-7030
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