Many states have passed statewide bans on smoking in enclosed public places, including restaurants and bars. Other states have enacted statewide smoking bans that include exceptions for certain businesses and workplaces—such as cigar bars, tobacco shops, and private clubs.

Some cities and towns have enacted ordinances (laws) that restrict smoking in restaurants and bars—and some cities and towns extend public smoking bans outdoors to sidewalks, apartment complexes, and other public spaces where nonsmokers may congregate, for example.

Violations of these smoking bans may be prosecuted as misdemeanor criminal offenses and include hundreds of dollars of potential fines.

In North Carolina, smoking is regulated by state statutes and local ordinances. The state's Smoke-Free Public Places Law, specifically N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-496, prohibits smoking in most enclosed public places, including restaurants and bars. This law was enacted to protect individuals from the health risks associated with secondhand smoke. However, there are exceptions to the statewide ban, such as cigar bars, tobacco shops, and private clubs, provided they meet certain criteria. Additionally, local governments in North Carolina have the authority to pass more restrictive laws regarding smoking. For instance, some cities and towns may extend smoking bans to outdoor public spaces like sidewalks and parks. Violations of these smoking bans can result in misdemeanor charges and fines, which vary depending on the specific local ordinance or state statute that has been violated.