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AN ACT TO PROHIBIT SMOKING IN CERTAIN PUBLIC PLACES AND CERTAIN PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT of 2009 requires enclosed areas of almost all restaurants and bars to be smoke-free effective January 2, 2010. Smoking is also banned in enclosed areas of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and inns, if food and drink are prepared there. The law allows lodging establishments to reserve up to 20% of guest rooms for smoking.

If you observe or note a possible violation, please notify the owner or manager of the establishment. They are responsible for compliance and are required to direct a person who is smoking to extinguish the lighted tobacco product.

If you observe or note a possible violation of the law, you can report it to a local health department for further action by completing and submitting the Public Smoking Complaint form.

Complaint Filing Instructions

To report any observed smoking in restaurants, bars, and lodging establishments (which prepare and serve food and drink) in North Carolina:

  1. Please read and accept the "Acknowledgement of Complaint Process" (below) and click the "Begin" button.
  2. Complete steps / screens 2-4.
    • For more information or to report a potential violation, call (919) 707-5400 or your local health department. If calling after normal business hours, you may leave a message and your call will be returned. Information about potential violations will be shared with Local Health Directors who have responsibility for enforcement in their county.

The online complaint process starts below. Note: Javascript and cookies must be enabled in your browser.

» Step 1: Acknowledgment of Complaint Process


Last Modified: Tuesday, January 4, 2022