Perdue signs smoking ban

Gov. Beverly Perdue signed into law a sweeping ban on smoking in most bars and restaurants across the state.

Perdue signed the bill in the old House chamber in the state Capitol as more than 125 lawmakers, advocates and guests looked on and cheered.

"This is really in no exaggeration of the word an absolutely historic day for this great state that was built initially on the backbone of tobacco," Perdue said.

The smoking ban takes effect in January and applies to the inside portions of nearly all bars and restaurants. There are narrow exceptions for cigar bars, and private clubs such as country clubs and VFW halls.

Rep. Hugh Holliman, a Lexington Democrat, who has been pushing for a smoking ban for five years, began with a bill that would ban smoking in all indoor public places. He said he was proud of the new law.

"I think this bill is a huge step forward for public health," Holliman said.