Rep. Hugh Holliman has received an award from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for his work in helping to pass a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.

The law followed years of unsuccessful attempts at a smoking ban for Holliman, a Lexington Democrat and lung cancer survivor. 

The annual award is given to lawmakers who demonstrate solid, consistent leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy. The network is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization that encourages government officials and candidates to support laws and policies that would make cancer a top national priority. 

"Rep. Holliman’s leadership was the key factor in securing a smoke-free law for North Carolina," said Ashley G. Bell, North Carolina Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society. "He made this lifesaving legislation a personal priority and ensured its passage and ultimate signing by the governor."

The law, which requires all restaurants and bars to be smoke-free, goes into effect on January 2, 2010. With this measure, North Carolina is the first major tobacco growing state to have a 100 percent statewide smoke-free restaurant and bar law.

A failed attempt to ban smoking in public places drew some interesting comments this week.

Reader nchoya92 wondered why advocacy groups like the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society weren't more actively supporting the ban.

It's a bit sad that the bill has to get tabled so often to scrounge up the votes for something the public would (my guess) easily pass if it were up to a ballot initiative.

Meantime, reader ejohn noted that "high end restaurants and bars" have already gone smoke-free, though many "blue collar restaurants" lag behind.

I say, let the lawmakers impose the ban and let us all enjoy clean air at any restaurant of our choice in NC.

And, in our Comment of the Week, reader markezzell pointed out an interesting pattern in the votes and gave some good context:

All of Pitt County's House members votes against the smoking ban. Much like Durham County, Pitt County has altered their economy so that healthcare - not tobacco farming - is the region's mainstay. With this vote, the Pitt County delegation seemed to have forgotten that. It'll be interesting how today's Pitt County residents will react to this anti-health vote.