Governor Bev Perdue signed House Bill 2 into law today, which prohibits smoking in public bars and restaurants.

Upon signing the bill, Perdue said, “This is a historic day for North Carolina, but more important than the history that we are making is the positive impact we are having on public health.  By banning smoking in our restaurants and bars, we will greatly reduce the dangers of secondhand smoke and lower health care costs for families.”

The smoking ban will officially take effect on January 2, 2010.