WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -
Although it remains to be seen if the smoking ban that goes into effect Saturday will have impact on patrons of restaurants and bars, the Forsyth County Health Department has begun a campaign to encourage more people to eat out.
"Tasty Tuesdays is an opportunity for people to go out and support our local restaurants in the change to the smoke-free law," said the health department's Yolanda Miller.
Beginning midnight Jan. 2, smoking will be prohibited in all enclosed areas of all North Carolina restaurants and most bars.
"We're riding it out to the end," said Betty Ashby, the owner of Big Shotz Tavern in Clemmons.
Although Ashby doesn't believe she'll lose many customers to the new law, the idea of putting up no-smoking signs and removing ashtrays is not something she totally agrees with.
"I still have a little bit of an issue with that, even though I'm a nonsmoker and think people should be able to go to restaurants that don't allow smoking. I also am not sure I think the legislature should be making these decisions for us," she said.
North Carolina lawmakers passed the smoking ban earlier this year in large part because the U.S. Surgeon General said there's scientific evidence that proves any level of second-hand smoke is dangerous.
And Miller points out that is the main issue.
"Being able to eat without my eyes burning, hair smelling like smoke, clothes smelling like smoke. I'm really looking forward to it," she said.
While smoking will be prohibited indoors, patrons can still smoke on outdoor sections of restaurants as long as the area is not enclosed.
The new law also protects specialty industries, like cigar bars, private clubs and country clubs that are nonprofit. Yet all other businesses will need to make the switch.
"I think the flip side of it is, I think we will gain a lot of new guests ... those that didn't like to go somewhere that allows smoke," said Ashby.
Which is exactly what the Forsyth health department's promotion is aiming for.
"Tasty Tuesdays is an opportunity for people to go out and support our local restaurants in the change to the smoke-free law," said the health department's Yolanda Miller.
Beginning midnight Jan. 2, smoking will be prohibited in all enclosed areas of all North Carolina restaurants and most bars.
"We're riding it out to the end," said Betty Ashby, the owner of Big Shotz Tavern in Clemmons.
Although Ashby doesn't believe she'll lose many customers to the new law, the idea of putting up no-smoking signs and removing ashtrays is not something she totally agrees with.
"I still have a little bit of an issue with that, even though I'm a nonsmoker and think people should be able to go to restaurants that don't allow smoking. I also am not sure I think the legislature should be making these decisions for us," she said.
North Carolina lawmakers passed the smoking ban earlier this year in large part because the U.S. Surgeon General said there's scientific evidence that proves any level of second-hand smoke is dangerous.
And Miller points out that is the main issue.
"Being able to eat without my eyes burning, hair smelling like smoke, clothes smelling like smoke. I'm really looking forward to it," she said.
While smoking will be prohibited indoors, patrons can still smoke on outdoor sections of restaurants as long as the area is not enclosed.
The new law also protects specialty industries, like cigar bars, private clubs and country clubs that are nonprofit. Yet all other businesses will need to make the switch.
"I think the flip side of it is, I think we will gain a lot of new guests ... those that didn't like to go somewhere that allows smoke," said Ashby.
Which is exactly what the Forsyth health department's promotion is aiming for.
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