RALEIGH (AP) ó North Carolina lawmakers are ready to consider a bill which bans smoking in many businesses as a way to prevent patrons and workers from breathing secondhand smoke.
The Senate’s health care committee prepared to debate Wednesday a measure that passed the House three weeks ago but lost some of its toughest restrictions in the process.
The House measure had forbidden smoking from all workplaces, including bars and restaurants, but amendments narrowed the prohibition to businesses that employ or serve anyone under 18. Most other businesses that post signs to permit smoking are exempt.
Still, House passage was an achievement after similar efforts in the past four years have failed. Senate leaders have said they expect the limited smoking ban to pass, although its ultimate form is unclear.