Perdue announces launch of new website, smokefree.nc.gov

North Carolina Governor Bev Perduce announced the launch of a new website devoted to help implement North Carolina’s new law that requires restaurants, bars and lodging establishments that serve food and drink to go smoke-free as of January 2, 2010.

The website, http://www.SmokeFree.NC.gov, offers business owners and customers information on the new law, hazards of secondhand smoke, and resources to help those smokers who may want to quit smoking. It has downloadable fact sheets, no-smoking signs and other tools dedicated to make the transition to smoke-free air an easy one.

“This change is historic for North Carolina and will have a significant positive impact on public health,“ said Gov. Perdue.  “By banning smoking in our restaurants and bars, we will greatly reduce the dangers of secondhand smoke and lower health care costs for families.  Our goal is to make sure North Carolina’s families and businesses have the information they need about the hazards of second-hand smoke and how to implement the new law.“

The new law signed by Perdue in May will make virtually all indoor areas of restaurants and bars in the state smoke-free, with a few exceptions.

Around 24,000 establishments are covered by the new law.