Ban on smoking moves to governor’s desk

A bill that bans smoking in bars and restaurant in our state is on its way to the governor’s desk.

Today, the State House voted 62-56 to approve changes adopted in the State Senate. More than 30 states have already passed similar restrictions.

The legislation was backed by health advocates, and opposed by lawmakers from areas were tobacco-growing and cigarette factories are big employers. North Carolina is the biggest tobacco- producing state in the country.