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We're thinking of relocating to the Raleigh area from NJ. NJ is now a so-called "non-smoking" state (since last April) and we've really really come to enjoy going out to eat, bowling or what-have-you and not coming home reeking of smoke. We almost don't remember what it was like! Our experience has always been that the "non-smoking" sections of restaurants and diners etc are pretty much a joke and no protection if smoke makes you wheeze, your eyes itch, or gives you headaches.
What are the rules in North Carolina for smoking in public buildings and the work-place? Forewarned is forearmed!
I have to say that I do not like smoke, and I notice it if I am around it. I have noticed in the past two years that there are many more non smoking restaurants in the area than their used to be. That is not to say all are like that, but there certainly are more than in the past.
Tobacco country here, you know. Tremendous number of people make their living off of it, so NC is not going to be a progressive as other states in this regard.
I tend to eat out more than eating at home. I have noticed alot of restaurants that I go to, I never even see a smoker. Some of them you can't even smoke in anymore. It seems to be rare that they even ask me anymore smoking or non smoking?
It's kinda funny...we get this question (or similar) almost twice a month here now.
I bet if half of the people in this state who really want smoke-free laws wrote their state legislators about it, we'd get a ban too! (Hint hint hint!!!)
Anyway, fortunately the Triangle area being full of a lot of transplants plus highly educated means that a good number of restaurants try to meet their customers' demands by being voluntarily smoke-free. Or at the least, restricting it to the bar. Unfortunately it's no where near enough, in my opinion, but it's better than most of the rest of the state.
It's kinda funny...we get this question (or similar) almost twice a month here now.
I bet if half of the people in this state who really want smoke-free laws wrote their state legislators about it, we'd get a ban too! (Hint hint hint!!!)
Anyway, fortunately the Triangle area being full of a lot of transplants plus highly educated means that a good number of restaurants try to meet their customers' demands by being voluntarily smoke-free. Or at the least, restricting it to the bar. Unfortunately it's no where near enough, in my opinion, but it's better than most of the rest of the state.
I think the frequent questions are from newcomers coming mainly from more restrictive states of the northeastern U.S.
I understand why the state legislators are reluctant to impose a statewide ban on public tobacco use or even allow county or city governments to do so. Tobacco pumps 7 billion dollars into the North Carolina's economy.
^ well, being reluctant to pass a statewide ban is one thing, but to disallow cities or counties from doing it is plain ridiculous. Most cities and counties have *no* ties to tobacco at all...they should be allowed to do what is best for their local residents' interests. Not be restricted cuz some state legislators from five counties over gets donations from a cigarette company.
[quote=RaleighRob;305234 Most cities and counties have *no* ties to tobacco at all...:[/QUOTE]
Oh, but they do. Tobacco money is used to buy goods and services from those who do not produce, manufacture or distribute tobacco products. Employees of those non-tobacco related businesses in turn buy more homes, cars, boats, furniture, college educations and so on. Everyone who lives in North Carolina gets a portion of that 7 billion directly or indirectly. It's a dilemma for sure.
Thanks! That's all very interesting. I'm assuming then that work places are smoke free? Except the bars and restaurants of course.....
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(Hint hint hint!!!) 
