New NC laws to soon go into effect

A new law designed to help smokers put out their cigarettes is one of more than thirty laws taking effect in North Carolina as the New Year begins.

A ban on smoking in restaurants and bars begins early Saturday morning. Smokers could face $50 fines for lighting up and restaurants could pay $200 a day penalties for ignoring the law.

Other laws will help people looking for lost pets at animal shelters and crack down on drivers using handicapped parking permits inappropriately.