Have you ever been in a restaurant when the people around you were smoking? The smoke does not affect some, but for others, it can ruin a night out.

North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue signed a state-wide smoking ban into law on May 19 after much deliberation in the General Assembly.

“This is a historic day for North Carolina,” Gov. Perdue said. “But more important than the history that we are making is the positive impact we are having on public health.”

Starting in January, those who continue to smoke after being requested to stop will receive a fine of up to $50. After the second time establishments are asked to enforce the law, the business will receive a $200 fine.

The bill was primarily introduced by the House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman, who is a lung cancer survivor.

“This bill has come a long way,” Holliman said in The News and Observer. “It’s had a much debate as any bill has ever had in this state.”

The Senate version of the bill was approved 62-56 by the House. Originally, the House bill only allowed smoking in businesses that did not allow people under the age of 18 from entering the building, according to The News and Observer. The version that was passed on May 14 bans smoking in all restaurants and bars.

Some students believe that the smoking ban will be beneficial to the state overall.

“I think it’s a good idea,” sophomore Nikki Nobles said. “I don’t think people who smoke care one way or another (about the ban), but if you’re going to smoke, be respectful of other people.”

School nurse Laura Youmans said that the ban should go beyond what lawmakers have already initiated.

“Go nationwide; don’t stop at the state level,” Youmans said. “I take it offensively that someone can jeopardize another person’s heath just by being there.”

Senior Caitlyn Boyd said she thought the ban was too broad and that it would prove to be more work than it would be worth.

“I don’t like to smell smoke when I eat at a restaurant, but that’s why they have a smoking section,” she said. “I think it would be too much of a hassle (to regulate).” 

The bill gained some skepticism due to only including smoking in the ban and not including other health risks. Some have called the bill hypocritical.

“You need to ban fatty foods. You need to ban the consumption of fatback and fatty bacon in public places,” said Rep. Cary Allred, a Republican from Burlington. “You need to give these children an example so they won’t keep eating themselves to death.”

Even though the newest version of the bill does not specifically ban smoking for places that serve or employ 18 to 23-years-olds, the ban is still seen as a positive lesson for that generation.

“It’s beneficial for the (18 to 23-year-old age group) because they are still in a growth state. It encourages them not to smoke,” Youmans said. “Second-hand smoke is a health hazard. People who don’t smoke should be able to go out and not be exposed.”

Junior Michael Lane participates in the Peer Power class, whose goal is to inform the youth generation about health risks it faces. From this, he has learned about the consequences of smoking and believes he is well-versed.

“Peer Power educates me, and I educate the youth,” Lane said. “Because I’m informed, I agree with the ban because it’s not good for the body.”

Lane said that the smoking ban would improve the quality for life of people across the state.

“It would help people live normal lives and not be tormented with the smoke,” he said.

Gov. Perdue has suggested that she will sign the bill into law after emphasizing her continued backing of the bill.

In an interview with The News and Observer she said, “I have vigorously supported efforts to reduce and eliminate smoking, and this bill will help more North Carolina citizens avoid the dangers of second-hand smoke.”