CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Starting Sunday, the non-smoking section will apply to every seat inside of most restaurants and bars across North Carolina.
The new smoking ban went into effect at midnight on Jan. 2.
The new smoking ban is getting mixed reviews among patrons in Charlotte.
"I know that when you go to a bar full of smoke, you smell like smoke and it's not healthy for you," said Edwin Torres.
Smoker Claire Scheffler said, "You're going to be around smoke regardless, even if people are smoking outside it's still going to be around. Drinking and smoking go hand in hand. I think it's stupid to take it out of the bar."
Bill Acquario, owner of Tavern on the Tracks in South End, decided to kick the butts out of his restaurant one day early.
"Everything I've gotten feedback wise so far has been positive," he said.
Beginning Jan. 2, state and local health officials will be performing air quality checks using a small portable monitor. Sometimes business owners will know about the testing and sometimes they won't.
Ann Houston Staples with the State Health Department said, "The results that we get, you should be able to see the air quality improving after midnight as the smoke begins to clear."
Acquario thinks the clearer air will help to draw in some new customers.
"I think we'll attract a different crowd and those people who are inconvenienced, I think they will understand," he said.
There is no limit on how close people can smoke to buildings and doors. Some restaurants said they will monitor where people light up.
Cigar bars are exempt from the ban.
Businesses that don't comply will get two warnings from the health department, and then they will face a $200 fine. Customers who light up could be fined $50.
To report a violation, you can call your local health department.