ANR UPDATE, 28(4), Winter 2009
North Carolina Restaurants and Bars Going Smokefree
With a stroke of her pen on May 19th, North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue signed into law the historic bill that will bring smokefree air to the state's restaurants and bars. The law takes effect January 2, 2010 and will be a major benefit to the health of the state's visitors, residents, and hospitality industry workers. The law doesn't cover many worksites (such as private offices and factories) and needs to be strengthened, but is a remarkable step forward.
North Carolina's smokefree success is Exhibit A in the changing face of what was once known as "Tobacco Country."
North Carolina is still the nation's #1 producer of burley tobacco and home to RJ Reynolds. But tobacco is no longer king - even here. Like other tobacco-producing states, North Carolina now has a diversified economy and needs ahealthy, productive workforce to be competitive. Cities want to increase livability and quality of life. So, while tobacco will endure as part of the cultural legacy, smokefree indoor air will be an important part of the future.
ANR is proud to serve an active role in supporting smokefree efforts in North Carolina. Congratulations to all the lawmakers, community heroes, and partners who helped achieve this key step forward for nonsmokers' rights. For more information on the law, visit: www.SmokeFree.NC.gov
Why was it so hard?
North Carolina's cities and counties had been handcuffed since the 1980's by a state preemption statute that prevented them from enacting smokefree laws. All smokefree laws had to be passed by the state legislature, where tobacco company lobbyists and campaign contributions prevented any progress. Had cities like Charlotte been able to enact local smokefree laws (like cities do in most of the U.S.), this wouldn't have taken so long. Because of preemption, achieving a solid smokefree law required doing things "the hard way" - by building solid grassroots support so that a state law could be passed despite Big Tobacco's staunch opposition and dirty tricks. Fortunately, the new state law now allows local governments to enact smokefree laws that are more stringent than state law with respect to a number of venues, including government buildings and public places.
Other places
Throughout states like Virginia and North Carolina, reminders of tobacco's
legacy dot the landscape. Now these remnants have largely been repurposed. For
example, Richmond, Virginia has a famous area called Tobacco Road that once
was home to bustling tobacco warehouses and markets (and a port to bring in
slave labor to support the industry). Now these buildings have been converted
and are bustling again as residential condos, restaurants, and shops, many of
which are smokefree. Similar transformations are happening in Tennessee,
Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia, and other tobacco states. Make no mistake,
we still have far to go, but - thanks to advocates like you - cities and states
in tobacco country are finally getting out from under the thumb of Big Tobacco
and making historic strides in protecting everyone's right to breathe clean
air.
You can now join ANR or subscribe to ANR UPDATE with your credit card online, via our secure system.
To become an international member, please join ANR or subscribe with your credit card online. International Members have two rates based on preferred delivery option: $75.00US for delivery of the UPDATE newsletter via Air Mail or $40.00US for delivery of a PDF version via email. Please be sure to include your complete mailing address and an email address, if available. We have no way to verify your address or contact you if information is omitted. Thank you for your support!