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2 <br /> lots and sidewalks. There are some state-mandated exceptions such as the University of North <br /> Carolina-Chapel Hill campus and tobacco/smoke shops. <br /> The Board of Health began consideration of this Rule two years ago when the North Carolina <br /> General Assembly approved House Bill 2, a law that banned smoking in restaurants and bars <br /> and allowed local Boards of Health, in collaboration with local Boards of County Commissioners, <br /> the authority to pass more restrictive rules banning smoking in public places. Consideration of <br /> this Rule is in the Board of Health's strategic plan for 2012-2014. The draft Rule was shared <br /> with community leaders via email; survey and forum. It was modified based on input and then <br /> shared with the general public. The Board of Health received feedback from over 750 residents <br /> through: 1) an on-line survey; 2) email/regular mail; 3) a telephone hotline; and 4) a public <br /> hearing. General support for Smoke Free Public Places was high among both community <br /> leaders and the public. <br /> The Rule would go into effect January 1, 2013 for a "soft implementation" period of 6 months <br /> during which community education would begin, signage would be erected, and no citations <br /> would be issued for violations. Effective July 1, 2013, the Rule would go into full effect and local <br /> law enforcement could, if deemed appropriate, issue a $25 citation for failure to comply with the <br /> Rule. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: The signs to notify the public of this change are the most expensive <br /> component. To date the Health Department has received approximately $30,000 from Federal <br /> grants to pay for signage and is actively seeking additional funding to help the Municipalities <br /> with sign purchases. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board conduct the public <br /> hearing, approve by Ordinance the Orange County Board of Health's Smoke Free Public Places <br /> Rule, and authorize the Chair to sign the Ordinance. <br />