SmokeFree.NC.Gov | Welcome | The Law: An Act to Prohibit Smoking in Certain Public Places and Certain Places of Employment | Rules | Frequently Asked Questions | Tools for Businesses | Educational Materials | Secondhand Smoke | Quitting Tobacco | Contact Us: Local Health Departments | Complaint Form: Reporting Violation(s)

Welcome to SmokeFree.NC.gov!

What could be more important for good health than clean, safe air to breathe? The good health of workers and customers alike is the best reason for governments to ensure smoke-free businesses. Smoke-free air is good for North Carolina residents, workers and visitors – and now –

North Carolina! Now serving smoke-free air!

Starting January 2, 2010, nearly all restaurants and bars in North Carolina, and many lodging establishments, are smoke-free, thanks to N.C. General Statute 130A-497, otherwise known as North Carolina’s Smoke-Free Restaurants and Bars Law.

On this site you will find information about the law itself, the rules that have been proposed to help further explain the law, frequently asked questions about the law, tools for businesses to prepare for the law – including downloadable “no smoking” signs, fact sheets and other educational materials – and links to up-to-date information on the health hazards of secondhand smoke and how to quit tobacco.

If you observe or note a possible violation, please notify the owner or manager of the establishment. They are responsible for compliance and are required to direct a person who is smoking to extinguish the lighted tobacco product.