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· North Carolina
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Bars, restaurants brace for change for all but a few
Jump to full article: Durham (NC) Herald Sun, 2010-01-01
Author: Monica Chen
Intro: DURHAM -- Bars and restaurants across the state are bracing for the sea change that will come at the stroke of midnight tonight.
Patrons from that point on will be banned from smoking in most dining establishments in the state. Only a smattering of businesses are exempted -- nonprofit private clubs, country clubs, cigar lounges and tobacco shops.
The ban is being implemented with some trepidation by local business owners, who are already hearing complaints from customers who were accustomed to having a smoke with their drink.
"A lot of the regulars ... feel that smokers are being unduly targeted," said Fergus Bradley, a co-owner of three bars and restaurants in downtown that, as of today, still allow smoking -- The Federal, James Joyce Irish Pub and Alivia's Durham Bistro.
"The Joyce and The Federal are known as places where you can enjoy a cigarette and beer at the bar," Bradley said.
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